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. 

Requirements

    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 (Education and Experience)

• 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 

Did you know?

• 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 eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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. 

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/w6NLf  

Include a cover letter and at least three (3) professional references with your application.  

Direct any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Regulatory Law Unit (nina.rivera@phila.gov). 

The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. 

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