Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law Unit – Contract & Procurement 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 Contracts & Procurement Division of the Commercial Law Unit is 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, grant compliance, competitive procurement law (RFPs and bids), and general corporate law.

Job Description

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 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, facility use agreements, event 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: 

• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in business and commercial law matters; 
• Drafting, editing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements; 
• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to commercial law; 
• 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 consult with the City’s Division of Risk Management;  
• Keeping informed of relevant legal developments and analyzing applicability to the City’s contracting terms and processes;  
• Updating Law Department contract and solicitation documents as needed;  
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law; and  
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abiliti