A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Law Department’s Tax Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other amounts owed to the City, and represents the City as defendant in cases where taxpayers dispute their liabilities. The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes due to the City and to the School District of Philadelphia, and for collecting water and sewer charges and certain other debts to the City. From time to time, the Law Department seeks professional services providers to assist it in its work, including third-party collection services. The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with at least seven (7) plus years of litigation experience as a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the newly created Tax and Revenue Unit’s Use and Occupancy Tax Division. This is a high-level position. Prior litigation experience is required, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has outstanding academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Municipal Court or managerial experience.

Essential Functions

The duties of a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the Use and Occupancy Tax Division primarily consist of managing litigators handling agency and state court actions from the pleading stage through arbitration or trial, which encompasses:

• Managing a staff of 4 individuals;
• Providing legal advice on Use and Occupancy Tax issues;
• Administering the PILOT program
• Trying significant state court collection cases before the Municipal Court and Arbitration panels;
• Trying significant appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court;
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues
• Managing the status of the Top 100 use and occupancy tax receivables;
• Mentoring junior attorneys in the Division;
• Providing training to staff;
• Meeting weekly with staff that report to the Divisional Deputy;
• Maintaining case management database and assigning cases;
• Interacting with Municipal Court staff to maintain the electronic filings and docket update;
• Generating monthly collection reports for use and occupancy tax collections;
• Ensuring that municipal court actions are reviewed and filed timely;
• Attending court conferences and hearings; and
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs;

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process
• Significant experience in City of Philadelphia Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to opposing parties, agency board members, arbitrators, or judges and listen, answer questions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school, and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Up to $124,373 – Commensurate with education and experience

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

• The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx