The department of law shall consist of a city solicitor, who shall be the head thereof, and shall hold his office for a term of three years, and until his successor shall be duly chosen and qualified. The department shall have as many assistants and clerks as may be authorized by ordinance, who shall be appointed by the city solicitor. The solicitor and assistant solicitors shall be attorneys-at-law, admitted and qualified to practice in the courts of this commonwealth.
53 P.S. § 22651