Deputy City Solicitor – Real Estate and Development Unit

City of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here. The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers. The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia. We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness. The Real Estate and Development Unit of the Law Department represents the City in major economic development initiatives and real estate transactions. The attorneys in this unit serve as corporate, real estate, and transactional counsel to all City Departments and are called upon to help structure, negotiate, and document any transfer or acquisition of City property interests or licensing of City property. This position will join a group of attorneys who provide legal counsel to various City Departments, including, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Property, Commerce Department, Free Library, Records Department, Streets Department, Office of Homeless Services, Art Commission, Planning Commission, Managing Director’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office. The attorney must be or become familiar with the City’s Home Rule Charter and the Philadelphia Code in order to advise clients how to structure, negotiate, and document transactions. A significant part of the job will be to negotiate and draft real estate transactional documents. Typical transactions include conveyances, leases, license agreements, easements, concession agreements, sale agreements, deeds, deed restrictions, declarations of taking and professional service contracts as well as reviewing land and title documents, appraisals, and title policies. The attorney will draft ordinances as necessary to obtain Philadelphia City Council’s authorization for the transaction. The attorney will report to the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor for the Real Estate and Economic Development Unit.

Requirements

Knowledge of real estate laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process
Experience with turnkey development projects
Knowledge of land and title records and recording law
Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter
Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
Ability to support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.
Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
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, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients
Willingness and ability to mentor and guide more junior attorneys in the Unit.
This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately four (4) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Responsibilities

Reviewing and evaluating federal and state laws and City ordinances that affect the real estate functions of the City.
Researching and analyzing issues and drafting documents relating to the real estate law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter.

Benefits

City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships.

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