Description:

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 Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and development. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in a wide variety of utility, transportation, environmental and sustainability matters. The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house 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.

Job Description

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate transactions, infrastructure and development projects, wholesale contracts, and 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 defect; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies.

Essential Functions

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

Advising and representing the Water Department in matters to support its water, wastewater and stormwater utility operations.
Reviewing, drafting and negotiating various contracts including professional service agreements, grant agreements, easement/license agreements, stormwater management agreements, state/federal cost sharing agreements, and developer agreements
Researching and advising on environmental law matters including:
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders under the Clean Water Act with PA DEP and US EPA.
Compliance matters under local, state and federal environmental laws regulating drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, air, hazardous/solid waste, etc.
All relevant and emerging environmental regulations that affect the Water Department operations, such as the Lead & Copper rule, PFAS-related regulations, etc.
Handling and providing support on a large case load of administrative appeals before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review.
Handling administrative and civil actions to enforce Water Department regulations against property owners, developers, plumbers and customers and for violations arising under the Philadelphia Code.
Attending regular stakeholder meetings and providing advice in support of efforts to continue and expand public outreach to key stakeholder groups representing a diverse set of customers.
Supporting the Law Department’s Litigation group on litigation matters that involve the Water Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws and administrative procedures
Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business
Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes
Knowledge/Experience with Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act
Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and commercial transactions
Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate cases
Excellent judgment and critical thinking
Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate with clients at various levels with different subject matter expertise as well as external parties, including customers.
Strong contract drafting and negotiating skills; strong legal analytical skills.
Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural competency.

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

Qualifications

Assistant City Solicitor candidates must have one (1) plus years of relevant experience within a legal setting. This can be an entry level position.

Deputy City Solicitor candidates should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should 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, references and resume.

Salary Range: Up to $101,067

Did you know?

We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
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

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

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

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