Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
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.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Philadelphia, PA delivered to your inbox every week.
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 Right-of-Ways & Utilities Division is one of four divisions in the Regulatory Law Unit, which in turn is part of the Corporate and Tax Group. In addition to the Regulatory Law Unit, the Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax & Revenue Collections Unit, Property Assessments, Boards & Commissions 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 – Right-of-Way and Utilities, Airport, Water, and Environmental.
The Right-of-Way & Utilities Division provides counsel to the Streets Department, the Sanitation Division, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission, and represents these offices in all transactional and regulatory matters. The Division handles grant and reimbursement agreements, City Plan changes, transportation issues, ordinances, regulations, energy procurement, matters before the Public Utility Commission, and some matters before the Board of L&I Review and other City administrative boards. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, infrastructure and development projects, grants; provide advice and counseling on regulatory law compliance and enforcement; conduct preemption analyses and assist with the drafting of new regulations and policies.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Right of Way & Utilities Division supervises and manages the staff and operations of the Right of Way & Utilities Division; serves as the general counsel on the practice areas described above; negotiates and conducts meetings with City leaders and other corporate counsel; and counsels City departments, including commissioners, directors, and City Council for the purpose of furthering the City’s operations.
Essential Functions
In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Supervising and managing the work of the Division’s attorneys, providing training, mentoring and support as needed
• Advising and representing City departments, in particular the Streets Department, the Sanitation Division, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission
• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations affecting the work of the client Departments, including but not limited to the Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, and federal, state and local regulations
• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to the Division’s work
• Advising the client Departments on new legislation and proposed regulations
• Drafting regulations, policies, and procedures
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts and agreements, including professional services; contracts, grant agreements, public works contracts, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements and memoranda of understanding
• Participating in monthly meetings with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and the Streets Department Right-of-Way Unit
• Coordinating and facilitating with other City agencies on high profile projects
• Representing the City in administrative board hearings and, together with the Litigation Group, in other litigation matters involving the client Departments
• Keeping abreast of changes to the City’s form contract and solicitation documents
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity, and
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Division, the Unit and the Law Department.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to supervise and support a team of attorneys and professional staff.
Ability to train and mentor professional legal staff.
Ability to prioritize and manage a substantial and complex workload of regulatory and transactional matters.
Ability to communicate information and ideas orally and in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to both law colleagues and clients.
Ability to handle time-sensitive, complex negotiations with sophisticated opposing counsel.
Ability to draft and negotiate nuanced language adhering to City legal and policy framework.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
Knowledge/experience with legislative and regulatory processes.
Knowledge of administrative law and municipal law.
Strong commitment to diversity in an office that values all individuals and respects differences.
Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
Excellent judgment and critical thinking.
Additional experience with government procurement contracting or government regulatory processes is preferred but not required.
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: $118,325 to $143,327 - Commensurate with education and experience
Direct any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Regulatory Law Unit (nina.rivera@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 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!
*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
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion