Staff Attorney

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

In June 2021, Mayor Kenney signed legislation to authorize the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to become a new, independent agency responsible for conducting oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). This legislation allowed for the previous oversight agency for the Philadelphia Police Department, the Police Advisory Commission (PAC), to transition into CPOC following the seating of the Board of Commissioners, in May 2022.

Civilian oversight of police can take many forms. Review-focused models allow civilians outside of a police department to review police misconduct investigations once they are completed. Investigation-focused agencies employ professionally trained investigators to investigate police misconduct complaints. Auditor/monitor-focused agencies engage in policy and trend analysis and promote broad organizational change within the police departments they oversee. CPOC was created to be a hybrid of these three models of oversight, with expansive authority and a broad mission.

Although civilian oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department has existed in some form for many years, CPOC brings an unprecedented level of oversight to police operations. The authorizing legislation for CPOC comprehensively lists the oversight functions that CPOC will fulfill. The legislation notes that CPOC may conduct investigations, data analysis, and audits related to any pattern, policy, or practice of the police department. These investigations shall include, but are not limited to, misconduct, policy, training, practice, and customs. Additional functions include investigations of complaints made by residents or PPD personnel about any misconduct ranging from verbal abuse to sexual misconduct, critical incident reviews and investigations, large-scale data reviews, disciplinary recommendations, hosting public meetings and hearings to share information with the public, participation as adjudicators in PPD discipline hearings, administrative prosecution of discipline cases, reporting on data and statistics, and reviewing and investigating all police uses of force, among other functions.

CPOC approaches police accountability from many different angles, and as such, CPOC has a variety of divisions to focus on different aspects of police oversight. Each division requires specialized staff with a deep understanding of policing and community-police relations. CPOC is composed of staff dedicated to professional, unbiased, and thoughtful oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week.  Our team is currently hybrid with a predetermined schedule of both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired. New employees will have a 90-day in-person probationary period upon hiring.

Position Summary

The Staff Attorney will report to CPOC’s General Counsel and will assist with all legal work of the agency, including policy development, compliance, advocacy, and litigation, as appropriate. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Staff Attorney may assist in all agency functions, including complaint intake and processing, policy and legal research, administrative discipline charging and hearing processes, outreach events, investigations, monitoring and auditing.

The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and/or work experience and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills.

At time of hire, applicants must be active members of the Pennsylvania bar, in good standing.

Essential Functions

The duties of a Staff Attorney at CPOC may include:

• Conducting legal research and writing correspondence, memoranda, reports and policy documents concerning issues including policing, 4th Amendment issues, civil rights, labor, administrative, and local agency law;
• Conducting other desk research and basic data analysis and drafting/contributing to policy reports;
• Drafting and revising agency policies for staff and board members, answering legal questions for staff and board members as they arise;
• Identifying and developing new work and new projects for the agency in alignment with our legislation, Phila. City Code § 21-1200;
• Communicating with relevant divisions of PPD and other city partners to request and obtain relevant information and develop written agreements to carry out the agency’s work;
• Preparing materials to educate the public about legal issues relevant to policing;
• Supporting the policy and advocacy work of the agency; and
• Litigation tasks, as needed.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal code, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, and demonstrated ability to quickly learn;
• Experience with policing, criminal justice system, civil rights, administrative discipline proceedings, or other subjects relevant to agency work;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find and interpret applicable laws and regulations to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly orally and in writing to facilitate understanding by a variety of audiences. Must be able to clearly present and explain a legal situation or case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, juries, civilians, and police officers, and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials. Must employ diplomacy in challenging interpersonal situations.
• 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 research, writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills;
• Ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Office suite;
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations;
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; civil rights and civil liberties; and equal access to justice; and
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues, partners, and members of the public.

• At least two (2) years of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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 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 Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (1 -3 pages in length) and 3 professional references.

Salary Range: $75,000- $85,000

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 hire

Effective 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.

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 [email protected].

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