Assistant City Solicitor – Right-to-Know Unit
About The Position
The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an Assistant City Solicitor for the Compliance & Legislation Group’s Right-to-Know Unit. The role advises City departments, offices, and boards on responding to Right-to-Know Law requests and appeals, as well as legal issues concerning privacy, confidentiality, public-records disclosure, and record retention. Attorneys independently manage a high-volume caseload with appropriate training and supervision, and the unit works across litigation and transactional matters. The position is fully onsite, with in-person attendance expected five days per week. It is an entry-level role suited to adaptable, collaborative candidates who can make real-time decisions, manage competing priorities, and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
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.
- Establish City of Philadelphia residency within six months of hire.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes.
- Skills in persuasive writing, legal writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, and legal research.
- Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
- Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for a specific matter.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Commitment to diversity and respect for individual differences.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues in complex fact patterns.
- Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
Nice To Haves
- One or more years of relevant experience in a legal setting is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia in matters relating to the Right-to-Know Law and related laws and matters.
- Work closely with clients to ensure compliance with applicable law.
- Communicate with City business stakeholders, subject matter experts, vendors, and others interested in the release of public City records and information.
- Review records and provide legal advice on their public release.
- Research issues and draft memoranda and other documents concerning the City’s obligations under the Right-to-Know Law and related laws.
- Represent the City in appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation.
- Advise the City on document-retention matters.
- Conduct research and analyze legal issues.
- Interpret City, State, and Federal laws, rulings, and regulations.
- Review, evaluate, and periodically update forms and training documents to reflect changes in the law and improve their quality and organization.
- Train City employees, officials, and Open Records Officers on Right-to-Know Law compliance.
- Negotiate, review, and draft settlement and confidentiality agreements.
- Perform administrative functions related to the practice of law.
Benefits
- Unlimited free year-round public transportation 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
