Overview As a Tax Litigation Attorney in the City's Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, you defend the City's tax programs and pursue collections through litigation. You'll work closely with the Sheriff's Office and Revenue teams to resolve real estate tax issues, exemptions, and related appeals before local and Commonwealth courts. You will shape litigation strategy, draft pleadings, and provide counsel on complex tax legislation. This role offers meaningful public service impact and collaboration across City departments.
Compensation / Benefits- unlimited free SEPTA travel
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- comprehensive health coverage for employees and dependents
- paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- retirement savings options
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and tuition discounts
Responsibilities- Try foreclosure and other real estate tax-related cases in Court of Common Pleas
- Litigate real property market value and exemption appeals before the Court of Common Pleas
- Collaborate on Commonwealth Court appeals from above matters with the Appeals Unit
- Represent the City in defense matters including quiet title and conservatorship issues
- Handle appeals related to real estate tax programs (OOPA, LOOP, Senior Tax Freeze, Homestead Exemption) before Tax Review Board and Common Pleas
- Draft pleadings, motions, and briefs; perform legal research and issue analysis
- Attend pre-trial conferences and tax assessment/exemption motions; participate in Tax Review Board hearings
- File intervention petitions and argue City positions in Act 135 conservatorship actions
- Assist Senior Attorney in defending volume of motions and mandamus suits against Sheriff's Office
- Advise on tax legislation with emphasis on the Uniformity Clause of the PA Constitution
- Support junior attorneys, manage account problems, and handle additional unit litigation as assigned
- Attend Motions Court hearings 2-3 days per week; manage related litigation tasks
- Train and supervise attorneys and staff on applicable legal requirements
Key requirements- Minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience
- Law degree from ABA-accredited school
- Bar admission in Pennsylvania or eligibility for reciprocity (Pa.B.A.R. 204)
- Strong knowledge of real estate tax law, court procedures, and municipal law
- Ability to analyze large information sets and identify viable solutions
- Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to work onsite five days a week in Philadelphia
- Strong collaboration and client-service orientation
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Strategic thinking under pressure
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania tax law and constitutional provisions
- Litigation strategy development
- Legal research and brief writing
