Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Regulatory Law Unit – Right-of-Way & Utilities Division

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney for its Right-of-Ways and Utilities Division in the Regulatory Law Unit. The attorney will counsel City departments, commissioners, directors, and City Council on transactional and compliance matters, including the application of federal, Pennsylvania, and City laws and regulations concerning contracts, public safety, transportation, utilities, and day-to-day legal issues. The role may also support the Environmental Division through enforcement litigation and regulatory advice on permitting matters. The successful candidate will be a multidisciplinary generalist providing litigation, regulatory, and transactional support to clients with diverse needs.

The position advises and represents the Streets Department, Sanitation Department, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, Municipal Energy Office, Art Commission, Air Management Services, and Office of Sustainability. Work may include interpreting laws and regulations; researching and drafting legal opinions; advising on legislation and proposed regulations; drafting policies and procedures; negotiating contracts and agreements; attending client meetings; coordinating with other City departments; and representing the City in administrative hearings and litigation. Environmental assignments may involve air-emission permits and licenses, enforcement matters, and compliance with environmental laws concerning matters such as underground tanks and waste disposal.

The position is fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. The City offers comprehensive health coverage, paid leave, retirement savings options, transit benefits, tuition discounts and scholarships, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Requirements

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 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. Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth within six months of hire is at the Law Department’s discretion.
• Assistant City Solicitor candidates must have at least one year of relevant experience in a legal setting; this may be an entry-level position.
• Deputy City Solicitor candidates must have at least four years of relevant legal experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues in complex fact patterns.
• Ability to communicate concisely and diplomatically, orally and in writing, and to explain complex legal matters to colleagues and clients.
• Ability to handle time-sensitive, complex negotiations with sophisticated opposing counsel.
• Ability to draft and negotiate nuanced language consistent with the City’s legal and policy framework.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a substantial and complex workload of regulatory and transactional matters.
• Excellent judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to foster a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and City of Philadelphia agency rules and processes.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Must report onsite five days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of environmental laws.
• Experience with government procurement contracting or government legislative and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent City departments, particularly the Streets Department, Sanitation Department, OTIS, Municipal Energy Office, Art Commission, AMS, and Office of Sustainability.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations affecting client departments, including the Philadelphia Code, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct legal research, draft legal opinions, and analyze issues related to the Division’s work.
• Advise client departments on new legislation and proposed regulations.
• Draft regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including professional services, grant, public works, public-private partnership, and development agreements, as well as memoranda of understanding.
• Participate in meetings with client offices.
• Coordinate with other City departments, including Water, Risk, Tax, Finance, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Represent the City in administrative board hearings and, with the Litigation Group, in other litigation involving client departments.
• Keep abreast of changes to the City’s form contract and solicitation documents.
• Perform administrative functions related to the practice of law.
• Foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values diversity.
• As needed, advise and represent AMS in enforcement matters and on air-emission permits and licenses.
• As needed, advise on and handle compliance matters under local, state, and federal environmental laws regulating municipal functions, such as underground tanks and waste disposal.

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 with eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for 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