Deputy City Solicitor - Tax Litigation and Collections Unit - Business Tax Division

Position Summary 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney as a Deputy City Solicitor in the Tax Litigation and Collections Unit’s Business Tax Division. The ideal candidate has tax law experience, and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. 

Essential Functions 

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• Mentoring junior attorneys in the Division. 

• Assisting the Divisional Deputy with training and case management; 

• Trying state court collection cases before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas: 

• Working with lawyers from the Appeals Unit on tax cases taken to the Pennsylvania appellate courts; 

• Trying agency appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court; 

• Attending court conferences and hearings; 

• Reviewing regulations and providing advice as requested to the Revenue Department; 

• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and 

• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process; 

• Significant experience in the City of Philadelphia 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 arbitrators, Board members, opposing parties, or judges, and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations. 

• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.  

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment. 

• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills. 

• Ability to support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff. 

• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;