Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law Unit – Health, Human & Community Services Division

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed attorney to join the Commercial Law Unit’s Health, Human & Community Services Division. The division advises the Departments of Human Services, Public Health, and Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services; the Offices of Children and Families and Homeless Services; and the Mayor’s Office of Education. Its principal practice areas include contract drafting and negotiation, grant compliance, competitive procurement law, health and mental health law, and general corporate law.

The attorney will advise and represent City departments, particularly the Departments of Public Health and Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, on contracting and grant compliance. The role also provides counsel on applicable laws, policies, and contract or grant terms; helps develop and review compliant policies and processes; addresses questions involving the Philadelphia Code, Home Rule Charter, and other law; and drafts, reviews, and negotiates a range of contracts and agreements.

The position requires professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service when working with sensitive matters, confidential information, City officials, client agencies, business stakeholders, vendors, and colleagues. The role is fully onsite, with in-person attendance required five days per week. The successful candidate must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Requirements

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience; experience in a legal setting is preferred.
• Deputy City Solicitor applicants must have at least four years of relevant legal experience.
• A law degree from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or currently eligible for admission by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Attorneys not admitted to the Pennsylvania bar within six months of hire may continue employment at the Law Department’s discretion.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, identify applicable laws and regulations, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to handle multiple transactions and projects efficiently and organize and maintain a high-volume workload.
• Concise, diplomatic written communication skills and the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to large groups and high-level officials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including identifying and analyzing legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Excellent writing, transaction management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Must report onsite five days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant legal experience involving duties described under Essential Functions is ideal.
• Experience in a legal setting is preferred for Assistant City Solicitor applicants.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent City departments, particularly the Departments of Public Health and Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, in contracting and grant compliance matters.
• Counsel City departments on compliance with relevant laws, policies, and contract and grant terms and conditions.
• Help develop, draft, and review policies and practices to ensure contracting terms and processes comply with applicable law and grant funding requirements.
• Provide legal counsel on questions arising from the Philadelphia Code, Home Rule Charter, and other applicable areas of law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions for contracts, including professional services, goods and services, intergovernmental agreements, facility use agreements, and grant agreements.
• Keep informed of relevant legal developments and analyze their applicability to the City’s contracting terms and processes.
• Review, evaluate, and periodically update form contracts and solicitation documents to reflect changes in law and improve document quality.
• Communicate with City business stakeholders, subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in business and commercial law matters.
• Conduct research, draft legal opinions, and analyze legal issues related to procurement, compliance, and commercial law.
• Review and assist City departments with developing and drafting RFPs for professional service contract solicitations.
• Work with City departments to review and revise statements of work.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code, and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
• Analyze the risk profile of proposed transactions in consultation with the City’s Division of Risk Management.
• Perform administrative functions related to the practice of law and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree