Legal Assistant – Tax Litigation and Collections Unit – Property Use & Transfer Tax Division

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 The 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 amounts 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 certain 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.  The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors. 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 judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. Position Summary  The Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit is hiring a Legal Assistant to work with the Property Use & Transfer Tax (PUTT) Division.  The Legal Assistant will work with the Legal Assistant Supervisor to support the attorneys in the PUTT group with their caseload as well as work with taxpayers under the supervision of attorneys.    Essential Functions  The 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.  Serve as liaison between the attorneys, other Legal Assistants, taxpayers, and others to facilitate disputes and resolutions in the City’s interest.    Collaborate with revenue department regarding customer needs, data sharing, increased revenue, reduced costs, and improved communications.  Court communications to ensure efficient case management.  Inventory maintenance both building and reviewing for appropriateness with respect to court and client.  Collaborate with Tax Litigation and Collections Unit to ensure efficient handling of cases.  Assist attorneys with drafting of discovery and other legal pleadings as well as gathering responsive documents to discovery propounded by opponents.   Review accounts for legal action under the supervision of one or more attorneys.  Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Excellent written and oral communication  Excellent organizational skills  Excellent time management skills  Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced setting  Ability to work collaboratively with diverse team members  Experience with Word and Excel  Ability to learn promptly to use custom City applications (Prism) required  Preferred candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have three or more years’ experience in a legal setting, preferably in a law firm or an in-house legal 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