Company Description

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.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. 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 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to 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 real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Contracts & Procurement Division of the Commercial Law Unit is City’s corporate general counsel.  It is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging transactional division, in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a diverse workload impacting nearly every aspect of the City’s business. Principal practice areas include contract drafting and negotiation, grant compliance, competitive procurement law (RFPs and bids), and general corporate law.

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an attorney to join the Commercial Law Unit’s Contracts & Procurement Division.  The ideal candidate is expected to perform the following duties:         

• Advise and represent City departments, in particular, the Procurement Department and the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), in contracting matters;
• Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions for a variety of contracts including contracts for the procurement of goods and services, professional services contracts, intergovernmental cooperation agreements, and grant agreements;
• Help develop, draft, and review policies and practices to ensure contracting terms and processes are in compliance with relevant law and federal funding requirements; 
• Provide legal counsel on questions arising from the Philadelphia Code, Home Rule Charter, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and other applicable areas of law.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: 

• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in business and commercial law matters;
• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to commercial law;
• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code, and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter; 
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed transactions in consult with the City’s Division of Risk Management; 
• Keeping informed of relevant legal developments and analyzing applicability to the City’s contracting terms and processes; 
• Updating Law Department contract and solicitation documents as needed; 
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law; and 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience reviewing and advising on federal grant conditions is a bonus.
• Ability to efficiently handle multiple cases and projects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and within a legal setting is preferred. 
• Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should ideally include some or most of those described under Essential Functions. 
• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range:

Assistant City Solicitor: $79,512 - $90,125

Deputy City Solicitor: $92,612 - $111,385

Commensurate with education and experience

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Amanda Stewart Hause, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Commercial Law Unit (amanda.stewart.hause@phila.gov).

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: 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.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - 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. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to the Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx