Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law Unit – Contract & Procurement Division

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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 Contracts & Procurement Division of the Commercial Law Unit is the 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, competitive procurement law (RFPs and bids), construction law, labor law, and general corporate law.

Position Summary

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 Capital Programs Office, 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, public works contracts, construction management agreements, facility use agreements, intergovernmental 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; and
• Provide legal counsel on questions arising from the Philadelphia Code, Home Rule Charter,  and other applicable areas of law.

Essential Functions

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

• Keeping informed of relevant legal developments and analyzing applicability to the City’s contracting terms and processes; 
• Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law and to improve the quality of contract documents;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in commercial law matters; 
• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to procurement, construction, and commercial law; 
• Reviewing and assisting City departments with the development and drafting of solicitation documents;
• 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 consultation with the City’s Division of Risk Management; 
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law; and 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to determine which applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to efficiently handle multiple transactions and projects.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Excellent writing, transaction management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as 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.

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one (1) year 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 of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

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

Salary Range: Assistant: $79,512 to $90,125; Deputy: $92,613 to $111,385; Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Amanda Stewart Hause, Chief Deputy City Solicitor ([email protected]).

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 [email protected].

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