PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a recent announcement that signals a continued commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice in leadership, Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has chosen Renee Garcia, the city’s current Litigation Chair, to serve as City Solicitor. Following Parker’s inauguration on January 1, Garcia will assume the role of Acting City Solicitor until her position is confirmed by the City Council.
Garcia is an accomplished litigator known for her dedication to social justice and her strategic approach to complex legal challenges. With a decade-long career marked by significant achievements in litigation, risk management, and legal analysis, Garcia has consistently prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion in her work.
Since March 2021, Garcia has chaired the Law Department’s Litigation Group, leading six units and supervising 130 people in areas ranging from Torts and Civil Rights to Labor and Employment. Her role involves extensive counseling of city work groups and overseeing the implementation and assessment of policy issues for city agencies, particularly in relation to litigation strategy.
Under Garcia’s leadership, the Litigation Group has tackled some of the city’s most pressing legal issues. These include initiating litigation against firearm manufacturers and distributors over reckless business practices contributing to Philadelphia’s gun violence crisis. Garcia played a crucial role in negotiating settlements related to the George Floyd protest lawsuits and investigating the MOVE remains. She has also been instrumental in recovering over $200 million through litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
In addition to her work in the Law Department, Garcia has demonstrated a firm commitment to affordable housing, environmental justice, and accessibility across Philadelphia, counseling client departments on these critical issues.
Before joining the Law Department, Garcia held litigation roles at Hogan Lovells US LLP and PNC Bank. Her passion for diversity and inclusion in both the legal field and the community has led her to provide pro bono legal services through various organizations, including the Senior Law Center and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund. She also serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Planned Parenthood of Southeast Pennsylvania and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.
Garcia’s impressive academic credentials include a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University. Her tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, such as the 2020 AL DÍA Top In-House Lawyer Award and the 2015 Rising Star Corporate Counsel Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal.
In selecting Garcia as City Solicitor, Mayor-elect Parker is reinforcing her administration’s commitment to strong, diverse leadership and social justice. Garcia’s proven track record in litigation and her dedication to serving Philadelphia’s communities make her an exemplary choice for this key role. As City Solicitor, she will undoubtedly continue her efforts to address the city’s legal challenges while upholding its values of equity and inclusion.
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