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.

Agency Description

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 Information, Communication and Technology Division of the Commercial Law Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging transactional Division in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a diverse caseload of technology matters.  

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an attorney for Commercial Law Unit’s Information, Communication and Technology Division.  The ideal candidate is expected to perform the following duties:

• Drafting and negotiating complex information technology and telecommunications services contracts;
• Drafting and negotiating data licenses;
• Counselling clients on data licensing and privacy issues (including HIPAA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the federal regulations governing Homeless Management Information Systems, federal and Pennsylvania regulations governing substance abuse information, the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act, and the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act);
• Acting as counsel to the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology.

Essential Functions

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia and City Departments in all matters relating to intellectual property and technology;
• Advising clients on data sharing/licensing among City departments as well as with external parties, including private non-profit and for-profit entities and other governmental organizations; 
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating technology agreements and associated exhibits, including professional services agreements;
• Reviewing Procurement Department competitive bids, including reviewing and assisting City departments with development and drafting of requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional service contract solicitations;
• Reviewing, evaluating and periodically updating the form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law, improve legal terms and conditions, and improve the quality of contract documents;
• Working closely with clients to review and revise statements of work;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors and others involved in intellectual property and technology matters;
• Researching issues and drafting documents relating to the City’s copyrights and trademarks;
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues;
• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter;
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed deals;
• Negotiating settlements; and
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• 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.

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 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 hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: Assistant - $79,512 to $90,125; Deputy - $92,613 to $111,386; Commensurate with education and experience

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: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx