Assistant City Solicitor

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To apply for this position please visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2128/195

ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR

DEPARTMENT: Law Department SALARY: Level 7 ($93,467-$144,875)

AFFILIATION: Non-Union EXEC/MGR ELEC & APPT FLSA: Exempt

ANNOUNCEMENT: 1210003 POSTED DATES: 2/25/2026 - Open Until Filled

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/land use, employment/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 but not limited to trials, appeals, mediations, settlement negotiations, arbitrations and administrative proceedings.

• Research 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.

• Research 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: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, and talk and hear; use hands to finger; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is 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: Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm., located at the City/County Building, 800 N. French Street, 9th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. During peak periods or times of increased workload, the position may require additional hours beyond the standard workweek.

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, it is the policy of the City to provide reasonable accommodation when requested without causing an undue hardship. If accommodation is needed, please call 302-576-246.

This position is an appointed position with tenure provided after three (3) consecutive years of satisfactory performance.

To apply for this position please visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2128/195

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $93,467.00 - $144,875.00 per year

Work Location: In person