Agency DescriptionThe City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.
The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.
We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City's workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.
The Tax Litigation and Collections Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other debts 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 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 and outside counsel.
Professional Responsibility & Public Service We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.
Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThe 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.
• Trying foreclosure cases for real estate taxes and other City municipal claims before the Court of Common Pleas.
• Trying real property market value and exemption appeal cases before the Court of Common Pleas.
• Handling some further appeals to Commonwealth Court from the above matters in collaboration with the Appeals Unit.
• Representing the City, including the Sheriff's Office, in various matters as defense counsel, including quiet title and conservatorship matters.
• Handling appeals for real estate tax interest and penalties and disputes involving City real estate tax programs - including its Owner Occupant Payment Agreement ("OOPA"), Longtime Owner Occupant ("LOOP"), Senior Tax Freeze, and Homestead Exemption appeals - before the Tax Review Board and when further appealed to Common Pleas.
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Researching and analyzing legal issues.
Essential Functions• Attend all real estate tax assessment and exemption pre-trial conferences weekly, as well as argue nunc pro tunc assessment and exemption motions before the Court weekly
• Attend Tax Review Board hearings as needed at least 3-5 hearings per month;
• File intervention petitions and argue the City's position in Act 135 conservatorship actions as needed;
• Assist current Senior Attorney in defending voluminous motions and mandamus lawsuits filed against the Sheriff's Office when needed;
• Perform research and advise Revenue Chief Counsel on complicated issues of tax legislation, particularly pertaining to the Uniformity Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution;
• Assist on litigation strategies with junior attorneys in the Unit
• Handle individual account problems assigned by Divisional Deputy;
• Handle other litigation matters that may be assigned to the Unit.
• Attending Motions Court hearings 2-3 days per week on average;
• Handle individual account problems assigned by Divisional Deputy;
• Handle other litigation matters that may be assigned to the Unit.
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;
Qualifications- This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities 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 currently be eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.
Work Location & Onsite Expectations This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.
Who Thrives in This Role This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.
Additional InformationTO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.Salary Range: $97,299 to $117,022 - Commensurate with education and experience
Any questions related to this position should be directed to James Zwolak, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Tax Litigation and Collections Unit (james.zwolak@phila.gov).
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- 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
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hireEffective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are
no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
