Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Regulatory Law Unit – Water Division

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 Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax Litigation & Collections Unit, Property Assessment, Boards & Commissions Unit, Regulatory Law Unit, and Real Estate & Development Unit.  The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities. 

The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house counsel legal services to the Water Department and represents the City and the Water Department in all transactional and regulatory matters relating to the City’s water, sewer and stormwater utility. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate transactions, infrastructure and development projects, wholesale contracts, grants; provide advice and counseling on environmental law compliance and enforcement; support the Water Department in utility rate hearings before the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; defend the City in administrative appeals and hearings before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review involving disputed water bills and notices of defects; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies.  

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Water Division supervises five attorneys and one legal assistant. The Divisional Deputy serves as the general counsel to the Water Department, serving on the client’s executive team, works on the practice areas described above and performs the essential functions described below. 

 

Essential Functions 

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

• Supervising and managing attorneys in the Division, support staff and outside counsel  

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner, the Water Department’s Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations of the utility  

• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects 

• Participating in weekly Water Department Executive Staff meetings and monthly meetings with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) 

• Drafting and negotiating Water Department agreements, including professional services agreements, wholesale customer agreements, grant agreements, asset purchase agreements, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements 

• Handle environmental law matters, including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits with regulatory agencies, enforcement of Pretreatment program, advising on Safe Drinking Water Act, Lead and Copper Rule, Clean Water Act, and various other environmental regulations 

• Perform real estate transactions, including property purchase, easement and license agreements, condemnation matters 

• Advise on administrative board hearings and appeals and other litigation matters involving the Water Department 

• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests 

• Serving as a member of the Water Department’s Bond Disclosure Committee 

• Representing the Water Department in water, sewer and stormwater rate proceedings 

• Advising the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations  

• Drafting of regulations, policies and procedures 

• Providing legal advice on customer assistance programs 

• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Division, the Unit and the Law Department 

• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring 

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity 

 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws, environmental laws, and administrative procedures 

• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business 

• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes 

• Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and complex commercial transactions 

• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making 

• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys and support staff 

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment 

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both lawyers and clients 

• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters 

• Ability to train and mentor staff  

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of relevant legal experience and management experience.  

• 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. 

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $116,005 to $140,428 - 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 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
• 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!

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:  

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Ji Jun, Chair, Corporate & Tax Group (ji.jun@phila.gov). 

*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