Assistant City Solicitor – Right-to-Know Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

12d • Onsite

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 unit is a collegial, fast-paced practice that bridges litigation and transactional work. With appropriate training and supervision, attorneys independently manage a high-volume caseload of Right-to-Know Law requests and appeals and provide legal guidance to City departments, offices, and boards.

The role advises and represents the City on Right-to-Know Law matters and related laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, public records, and record retention. It involves reviewing records, advising on public release, representing the City in appeals and related litigation, and working with City clients and other stakeholders. The position is fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

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.
• Attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be admitted within six months of hire; continued employment in that circumstance is at the Law Department’s discretion.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes.
• Skills in persuasive and 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 and 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, and ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

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 with City clients to support 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 concerning their public release.
• Research legal issues and draft memoranda and other documents about 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 legal 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 public transportation year-round 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 to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities, with stated savings of 10% to 40%.

What This Job Offers

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