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Litigation Group

The Litigation Group consists of six units.

Civil Rights Unit

The Civil Rights Unit (CRU) defends all lawsuits filed against the City and its employees in which it is alleged that an individual’s constitutionally-protected rights have been violated. Most of these cases are filed in federal court under the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C 1983. Many of the cases involve Fourth Amendment claims brought against the Philadelphia Police Department, and Eighth Amendment claims asserted against the Philadelphia Prison System. CRU also represents the Department of Human Services when constitutional violations are alleged to arise out of DHS’ child welfare cases.

CRU provides legal advice to City departments on issues with potential civil rights implications and counsels City departments on policy issues. CRU also assists in ensuring training is properly conducted and that City personnel in all departments are aware of the constitutional limits of their authority.

Leadership

Anne Taylor
Chief Deputy City Solicitor

Anne began her legal career at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and then held consecutive federal clerkships for the Honorable L. Felipe Restrepo and the Honorable Gene E.K. Pratter. She then joined the Law Department as an Assistant City Solicitor for the Civil Rights Unit. Next, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Civil Litigation Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and then as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey. Anne is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Yale University. She is a NITA-certified advocate.

Name Job title Phone #
Bailey Axe Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5443
Michelle Barone Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5217
Daniel Cerone Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-2964
Keilah Crawley Legal Assistant
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5437
Jacqueline Crowell Legal Assistant
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5423
Tahyetta Daniels Data Services Supp Clerk
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5435
Kathryn Faris, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 686-5445
Jordan Freeland, (he/him/his) Legal Assistant
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5244
Kathleen Gill Executive Secretary
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5438
Matthew Hubbard Senior Attorney
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5391
Ben Jackal Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5434
Derek Kane Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5374
Elizabeth Leyden Clerk Typist II
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5431
Irene Lu, (she/her/hers) Assistant City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-2971
Andrew Pomager Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5446
Danielle Rosenthal Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5448
Jonah Santiago-Pagan, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5428
Danielle Walsh Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 686-0464
Adam R Zurbriggen, (he/him/his) Deputy City Solicitor
Civil Rights Unit
(215) 683-5114
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Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

The Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit represents the City of Philadelphia in matters that directly protect the lives, health, and safety of Philadelphia’s citizens and visitors. Unit attorneys represent the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, Philadelphia Historical Commission, Fire Department, Fair Housing Commission, and other City departments in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Court, and several administrative boards including the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Tax Review Board.

Through an array of enforcement tools, the unit’s attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under Title 4 (Building Construction and Occupancy Code), Title 6 (Health Code), Title 9 (Regulation of Business, Trades, and Professions), Title 10 (Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity), and Title 14 (Zoning and Planning) of the Philadelphia Code. Attorneys in the Code Enforcement Unit file lawsuits against property owners and businesses who maintain dangerous, hazardous, and unsafe businesses and properties which threaten the public health and safety, and decrease property values in the community. Through the courts, the unit aggressively pursues fines, re-inspection fees, and injunctive relief. In addition to proactively filing lawsuits against non-Code complaint property owners and businesses, unit attorneys defend the City’s actions before various administrative boards and litigate any local agency appeals before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Leadership

Joanna Klein
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
More +
Name Job title Phone #
Brendan Bayer, (he/him/his) Legal Assistant
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5442
Lee Begelman, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5246
Caitlin Carmody, (she/her/hers) Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-0365
Jeffrey Cohen, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5412
Monique Cooper Clerk III
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5107
Mary Costello Deputy City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5365
Caroline Curley Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5105
Desjenee Davis Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5226
William Fernandez Senior Attorney
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5288
Allena Graves Administrative Technician
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5111
Jason Greenspon Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5102
Melanie Hill Legal Assistant Supervisor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5108
Christopher Johnson Deputy City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5118
Barbara Pace Legal Assistant
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5113
Michelle Reinhart, (she/her/hers) Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5106
Leonard Reuter Senior Attorney
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5064
Michael Rullo Assistant City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5116
Amy Skiles Deputy City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-8456
Traci Taylor Legal assistant
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5110
Maggy White Deputy City Solicitor
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5027
Marissa Wilk Clerk III
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5117
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Labor & Employment Unit

The Labor & Employment Unit provides counsel to the City on the many employment issues affecting the City’s large and diverse workforce. Lawyers in the unit represent the City and its departments in federal and state courts in discrimination lawsuits under Title VII and other pertinent federal and state statutes and local ordinances, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Fair Practices Ordinance. Unit lawyers represent the City in the agency proceedings that precede the lawsuits. In addition, the unit handles suits against the City before the Civil Service Commission and in grievance arbitrations by unions. Unit lawyers represent the City as well as at the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board against union unfair labor practices and other labor matters. An important aspect of the unit’s practice is counseling the City’s human resources professionals and others in matters involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and the ADA, among others.

Leadership

Nicole Morris
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
More +
Name Job title Phone #
Ellen Berkowitz, (she/her/hers) Senior Attorney
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5253
Lindsey Cordes Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5215
Christopher D'Amore Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-0053
Lashawn Hand, (she/her/hers) Senior Legal Assistant
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5170
Cara Leheny Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5081
Megan Ryan Malone, (she/her/hers) Assistant City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5451
Ryan Mulgrew, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5077
Deborah Neary Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5132
Jill Osborn, (she/her/hers) Legal Assistant
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5190
Annette Pridgen Administrative Services Specialist
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5100
Tabatha Scott, (she/her/hers) Legal Assistant
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 685-3434
Lisa Swiatek Senior Attorney
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5076
Sharon Ulak, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5083
Frank Wehr Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Labor & Employment Unit
(215) 683-5183
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Tort Litigation Unit

The Tort Litigation Unit defends City agencies and employees in civil tort litigation. These claims include motor vehicle accidents from police pursuits, property damage due to water main breaks or City-authorized demolitions, and personal injury claims related to City streets, sidewalks, and real property. The unit works closely with civil and traffic engineers as well as medical experts to investigate and defend these claims. The unit’s staff ensures that legitimate claims are settled at as low a cost as possible and claims lacking merit are vigorously defended at trial or arbitration. The unit aggressively seeks defense and indemnification from insurance carriers based upon contractual obligations owed to the City. The unit also engages in affirmative litigation to recover judgments the City procures against co-defendants.

Leadership

Kenneth S. Butensky
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
More +
Name Job title Phone #
Peter Baker Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5420
Amanda Bender Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5386
Christina Brown, (she/her/hers) Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5405
Sandra Bui Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5367
Marguerite Choice Senior Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5126
Milagros Colon-Rios Data Service Support Clerk
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5400
Nilenlia Cordero Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5373
Diane Druding Clerk Typist II
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5383
Miles Dumack Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5369
Robert Evans Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5379
Joshua Feissner Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5382
Matthew Fink Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5392
Rebecca Flade Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-3016
Benjamin N Gialloreto Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5421
Jeremy Giatras Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5361
Miles Hartl Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5410
Alex Herbert, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5440
Norma Hutchinson Clerical Supervisor 2
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5372
Juanita Johnson Claims Coordinator
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5424
Randy Kim, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5389
Sean Kirby Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5380
Sheldon Kivell Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5364
Thomas Lipscomb Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5366
Richard Lopez Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5417
Kathryn Mercogliano Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5062
Robert O'Grady Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5388
Bridget O'Loughlin Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-0366
Jeffrey Oretsky Data Service Support Clerk
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5385
Jour'Dawn Rahatt Senior Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5413
Jonathan Rava, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5407
Marli Reid Legal Assistant
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5400
Matthew Rong Senior Attorney
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 686-5390
Michael Schmidt, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5393
Cindy Smith Data Service Support Clerk
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5422
Lisa Stahl Data Service Support Clerk
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5416
Charles Thurmond Deputy City Solicitor
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5370
Deirdre Thurston Data Service Support Clerk
Tort Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5376
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Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit

Affirmative & Special Litigation attorneys represent the City in affirmative public policy litigation. They represent the City (and its officers when sued in their official capacity) in civil actions involving claims arising out of or relating to contracts for procurement of goods and services, contracts for performance of construction and similar public works, other City commercial transactions, and eminent domain. They also typically defend the City or its officers against actions involving claims arising out of real property title or document recording disputes, and represent the City and its officers and employees in connection with subpoenas served on them as non-party witnesses or records custodians in civil commercial actions. Unit attorneys also represent the City in complex civil cases involving City legislation or City powers.

Name Job title Phone #
Benjamin Field Chief Deputy City Solicitor
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5024
Lydia Furst Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Real Estate & Development Unit
(215) 683-3573
Jasmin Jones, (she/her/hers) Legal Assistant
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-2972
Melissa Medina Deputy City Solicitor
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-2970
Nicole Osborn Administrationistrative Technician
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5026
Michael Pfautz, (he/him/his) Deputy City Solicitor
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5233
William Shuey Senior Attorney
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5440
Ryan Smith, (he/him/his) Assistant City Solicitor
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-2954
Aimee D Thomson, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit
(215) 683-5439
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Appeals Unit

The Appeals Unit handles appellate matters in both state and federal courts including civil rights cases, labor and employment matters, tort claims, and contractual disputes. In addition, the unit handles administrative agency appeals concerning tax, pension, Civil Service Commission decisions, and land use matters.

The unit also handles challenges to the legality of City ordinances. It files amicus briefs on behalf of the City and coordinates the City’s participation in amicus briefs prepared by other entities. Within the Law Department, the unit advises trial attorneys in other litigation departments on significant legal issues that arise at the trial and pre-trial level.

Leadership

Jane Istvan
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
More +
Name Job title Phone #
Meghan Byrnes, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-5011
Alison deMedeiros, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Appeals Unit
(215) 686-5395
Kelly Diffily, (she/her) Senior Attorney
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-5010
Craig Gottlieb, (he/him/his) Senior Attorney
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-5015
Jennifer MacNaughton Senior Attorney
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-3561
Zachary Strassburger, (they/them) Deputy City Solicitor
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-2998
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