The City of Wilmington is a top Delaware employer that provides public services to its residents, business owners and visitors. The City of Wilmington Law Department, often referred to as the City Solicitor's Office, is responsible for the City’s legal work, providing legal representation and advice to the Mayor, City Council, and all City departments, boards, and commissions. The Law Department offers a variety of practice areas, including litigation, transactional contracts, real estate, and FOIA, zoning and land use, employment and labor, legislation, code enforcement, and environmental. An Assistant City Solicitor reports to the City Solicitor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

An Assistant City Solicitor performs various legal tasks for the City as assigned by the City Solicitor or their designee, or as required by the assigned area of expertise. An individual in this position is responsible for providing legal advice, assistance and representation to the City, its officials, its employees and its boards and commissions. By way of example and depending on the individual’s assigned areas, an Assistant City Solicitor performs the following work:

• Represents the City, its officials and its employees in various legal proceedings including trials, appeals, mediations, settlement negotiations, arbitrations and administrative proceedings.
• Researches and authors legal pleadings and briefs.
• Prepares position statements in response to charges of discrimination.
• Monitors matters assigned to outside counsel.
• Works with the Risk Manager to review claims and identify and manage liability.
• Researches and drafts legislation for the City’s Administration and City Council.
• Serves as Parliamentarian at City Council meetings.
• Investigates complaints including alleged violations of federal, state, and local law.
• Prosecutes violations of the City’s Code of Ethics before the Wilmington Ethics Commission.
• Prosecutes misdemeanor violations of the Wilmington City Code in the Justices of the Peace Court and the Court of Common Pleas.
• Enforces nuisance laws.
• Reviews contracts and approves them as to form.
• Provides legal advice on matters related to competitive bidding requirements.
• Drafts and reviews documents related to real estate transactions.
• Serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Serves as legal advisor to various boards and commissions.
• Drafts and reviews various departmental and board policies.
• Provides up to date training on legal matters.
• Reviews and responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Performs all related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

An Assistant City Solicitor must be an attorney in good standing and admitted to practice law in the State of Delaware.

• Knowledge Thorough understanding of general legal principles and Delaware Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct. If hired to perform work in a specific practice area, the individual should also possess comprehensive knowledge in the specific legal area.
• Skills Excellent legal research and writing skills. Superior advocacy skills including strong oral communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Microsoft Office, WordPerfect, and Lexis Nexis.
• Abilities Ability to manage multiple projects and meet established deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to manage and resolve conflicts. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively. Ability to interact with and advise City officials, department managers and employees. Ability to communicate with the public. Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures.
• License Must possess an active license from the Delaware Supreme Court to practice law in the State of Delaware. Possess valid driver license with good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

• Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview in person or virtual.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and a pre employment physical.

• Physical Requirements Frequently required to sit, talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to walk and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Vision Requires near vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working Conditions In person work in a normal office environment.
• Location and Schedule Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm located at the City County Building, 800 N French Street, 9th Floor, Wilmington DE 19801. During peak periods additional hours beyond the standard workweek may be required.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

• Salary Administration New employees are hired at the starting and up to median salary based on qualifications and internal equity. Annual merit increases are provided based on a satisfactory performance review.
• Benefits The City offers a robust benefit package including medical, dental, vision coverage, pension plan, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 18 vacation days and 1 day per month accrued sick time. This position also includes CLE allowance, professional membership dues, and DE bar registration fee. Additional details available at www.wilmingtonde.gov/benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
• To apply visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City County Building, 800 N French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302 576 2460 to schedule an appointment for computer use.
• The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer.
• City residency required within 12 months of employment.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If accommodation is needed please call 302 576 246.
• This position is an appointed position with tenure provided after three consecutive years of satisfactory performance.

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.