The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Solicitor. The position is responsible for performing complex legal duties, directing and supporting matters related to contracts, procurement, litigation, and legislative drafting. This position will be responsible for research, drafting, and review on a host of legal and non-legal issues relating to the daily functioning of municipal government. This position works under the general supervision of the City Solicitor and Senior Deputy City Solicitor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position. Qualifications include graduation from a recognized and ABA-accredited law school and current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, one (1) year of relevant legal experience as a practicing attorney is essential. Knowledge of federal and state rules of procedure and evidence is a plus. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C, or equivalent is also required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The City of Harrisburg offers an annual salary range of $89,000 to $101,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications). This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision). This position will remain open until filled. If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume, three employment references and salary history to:
City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Email: [email protected] (electronic submission preferred)
The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor
GRADE: M-18
JOB TITLE:
Assistant City Solicitor – Department of General Government – Office of the City Solicitor
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
This position is responsible for advising City departments, employees, authorities, and officers in all legal matters pertaining to the business of the City. This position is responsible for legal work directing and supporting matters relating to contracts, procurement, litigation, and legislative drafting. Duties include rendering legal advice; research, drafting, and review of a range of legal documents; prosecuting summary appeals; contract drafting and review; assistance in hearing preparation; legislative review and drafting; and supporting all phases of municipal operations. The Assistant City Solicitor is responsible for sharing in case management at trial and appellate levels, including case investigation, assessment, and prosecution and defense of claims. Represents the City in actions brought by or against the City or against City officials in their official capacity. Employees in this class must exercise considerable independent judgment in preparation of cases, legal and non-legal research, and project management. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and highly organized. An Assistant City Solicitor works under the general supervision of the City Solicitor and the Senior Deputy City Solicitor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.
JOB LOCATION:
Work is performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center, Law Bureau, Suite 402, 10 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA. Work involves the use of various machines such as personal computer, scanner and printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, and other technological and research devices. Duties are typically performed weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evenings and weekends will be required. In addition, some work involves visits to various city sites and exposure to whatever risks are present at those sites. Employees are also expected to attend meetings and conferences throughout the City, County, Commonwealth, and United States. Employees are also required to travel to various District Justice offices and other courthouses, wherever situated.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Handle civil and criminal cases, including trials, summary hearings, and settlement negotiations. Prepare and review contract documents for form and legality. Prepare bonds, obligations, contracts and other agreements, leases, conveyances, assurances, and releases where the City or any City agency is a party. Prepare legislation (resolutions and ordinances) for passage by City Council. Advise, research, and prepare legal opinions for the Mayor, City Council, other City officials, and management employees on various legal issues including: Contracts, Labor and Employment Law, Zoning and Land Use, Administrative Law, and other areas of Municipal Law relating to Third Class City Code.
Prepare legal motions, briefs, pleadings, and other documents for use in litigations. Prosecute suits brought by the City for or on account of any rights, privileges, claims, or demands. Litigate civil matters, including contract claims, land use appeals, tax appeals, and other agency-level proceedings. Litigate summary criminal matters in place of District Attorney regarding Building and Housing Code violations. Defend actions or suits against the City or its agencies regarding matters involving the City, public officials, City officers, or related-governmental committees, commissions, and bodies. Collaborate with other City departments, officials, and consultants on City projects. Represent the City at administrative hearings before various Boards and Commissions, including the Zoning Hearing Board, the Building and Housing Code Board of Appeals, and the Civil Service Commission. Represent the City relative to labor matters during the internal grievance process and at arbitration hearings.
Participate in City contract/labor and settlement negotiations. Attend City Council Legislative and Work Sessions. Present legislation at City Council Committee Meetings. Maintain regular, punctual, and predictable attendance. Report to work and remain at work in a productive condition which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and the general public. Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent, and timely manner.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
None.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to quickly secure a working knowledge of the Third-Class City Code, the Optional Third-Class City Charter Law, the City Code, and other general and specialized laws;
- Proficient in legal and non-legal research, through both electronic and traditional mediums;
- Working knowledge of federal and state civil procedure and rules of evidence;
- Knowledge of federal bankruptcy law;
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania Administrative Agency Law;
- Skill in preparing cases, interviewing witnesses, in obtaining agreement out of court, and trying cases in court;
- Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principals and specialized knowledge to particular circumstances;
- Ability to participate in the preparation and trial of difficult and important cases, and to present material clearly and logically in oral and written form;
- Ability to meet and deal effectively with persons interested or involved in lawsuits;
- Ability to read and understand complex legal documents, regulations, and trial documents and, as necessary, interpret such documents for others as they apply to various situations;
- Ability to perform and to report findings;
- Ability to maintain professional legal knowledge through reading and continuing education;
- Strong communication skills, including but not limited to, the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, and advise diverse audiences, including the Mayor, City Council, department heads, other City officials, or members of the public;
- Employees are expected to be able to use all standard office machines/software, with or without reasonable accommodation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a recognized and ABA-accredited law school and current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required. In addition, one (1) year of relevant legal experience as a practicing attorney is essential. Experience in administrative proceedings may serve as substitute for courtroom experience. Must be admitted or eligible to practice law in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Knowledge of federal and state rules of procedure and evidence is a plus. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C, or equivalent is also required.