As legal clashes over its status as a sanctuary city appear likely, Philadelphia is turning to a team of local big-law attorneys to advise it on how to handle the controversial immigration issue.

The city Law Department has tapped Dechert, a global law firm headquartered in Philadelphia, to help it navigate its status as a sanctuary city. The team, which is expected to include four to five partners and associates, is being led by Robert Heim and Judy Leone.