Assistant Solicitor - Litigation

This public service position offers a unique opportunity for a litigator to work alongside experienced attorneys providing legal representation to the County, its Departments and personnel across a broad array of subject matters, in both affirmative and defensive postures, and in federal, state, and local courts. The Office regularly represents the County in matters ranging from commercial and property related litigation to election litigation to state and federal constitutional and civil rights claims. In addition, the County's litigators play an important role in providing proactive legal advice and prelitigation counseling to our clients as well as working to assist our clients in the development and further of public policy objectives, including through amicus briefing and the development of affirmative litigation. We are looking for an attorney who can handle all phases of litigation, has excellent research, writing, and analytic skills, and can drive the development of innovative approaches to affirmative and defensive policy-focused litigation in furtherance of the County's interests.

The Solicitor's Office offers a collaborative work environment, where solicitors from all practice areas work together to develop the best solutions for clients. The Assistant Solicitor will report directly to the Chief of Litigation.

• Conduct meetings with clients;
• Provide legal guidance to clients;
• Conduct legal research;
• Develop case strategies, including pathways to early dispute resolution;
• Conduct mediations and lead dispute resolution efforts;
• Draft and timely file pleadings, motions and briefs;
• Take and defend depositions;
• Prepare for and participate in hearings, trials and other legal proceedings;
• Maintain accurate and current records of all case developments;
• Provide clients and insurers with case status updates;
• Oversee outside counsel;
• Collaborate effectively with other governmental organizations as well as public and private partners on litigation and prelitigation matters;
• Identify and develop litigation approaches to client policy objectives.
• Responsibilities may include the following:
  • Reviewing and drafting contracts;
  • Representing the County in real estate transactions;
  • Representing the County at mental health commitment hearings;
  • Representing County-related boards at public meetings;
  • Representing County social service agencies in administrative proceedings;
  • Providing day-to-day legal advice to County departments;
  • Other duties as assigned by supervising attorneys.

Education and Credentials

• Law degree from an accredited law school and member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar.

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of civil litigation experience;
• Excellent analytical skills both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders;
• Excellent negotiation, oral argument, and deposition and/or trial skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn applicable laws, court procedures, precedents, and other applicable rules and processes and identify key rules that apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to analyze large and complex amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose effective and workable solutions;
• Ability to be a team player and develop an inclusive and collegial work environment and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions;
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for moderate periods of time. Occasionally may be required to do medium level physical work that would include reaching, walking, pushing, pulling and lifting;
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.