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

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

8d • $83,945 - $117,022 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed attorney for 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 includes counseling departments on applicable laws, policies, and contractual or grant requirements; developing and reviewing policies and practices; interpreting the Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter; and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a range of contracts and agreements.

This is a fully onsite position requiring in-person work five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references. The salary range is $83,945–$94,686 for Assistant City Solicitor and $97,299–$117,022 for Deputy City Solicitor, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility for admission by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth within six months of hire may continue employment at the Law Department’s discretion.
• 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.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and processes.
• Ability to analyze substantial information, identify relevant facts, determine applicable laws and regulations, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and projects and organize a high-volume workload.
• Concise, diplomatic written communication and ability to explain complex legal matters to large groups and high-level officials.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and judgment skills, including in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent writing, transaction management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or Microsoft Office.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Successful candidate must be a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and references.

Nice To Haves

• For Assistant City Solicitor applicants, experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• Deputy City Solicitor experience ideally includes some or most of the functions described under Essential Functions.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent City departments, particularly the Departments of Public Health and Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, on contracting and grant compliance matters.
• Counsel City departments on compliance with applicable 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 involving the Philadelphia Code, Home Rule Charter, and other applicable areas of law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions for procurement, goods and services, intergovernmental, facility use, and grant agreements.
• Keep informed of relevant legal developments and analyze their applicability to City contracting terms and processes.
• Review, evaluate, and periodically update form contracts and solicitation documents.
• 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 assigned duties.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation year-round through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Eligibility for a discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• 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 area colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

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