Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney - Real Estate and Development Unit

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 a 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 Real Estate & Development Unit represents the City in most of its real estate transactions and major economic development initiatives. Its major client responsibilities include the Department of Public Property, Commerce Department, Department of Parks & Recreation, Free Library, Records Department, Streets Department, Office of Supportive Housing, Art Commission and Planning Commission. Unit attorneys serve as corporate, real estate and transactional counsel to these clients and are called upon to help structure, negotiate and document significant transactional matters.

Job Description

The Real Estate & Development Unit is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill a Senior Attorney position or a Deputy City Solicitor position.  A potential Senior Attorney will have 10 or more years of experience as an attorney practicing transactional law and a potential Deputy City Solicitor will have between 5 to 10 years of experience as an attorney practicing transactional law.  All candidates must have a strong interest in real estate and contract law and will work on transactional matters including negotiating and reviewing leases, license- agreements, deeds, declarations of taking, grant agreements, and professional service contracts as well as reviewing land and title documents, appraisals, and title policies.

Essential Functions

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

• Advising and representing City Departments in all real estate transactions involving the use of City property or the City’s use of private property.
• Reviewing and evaluating federal and state laws and City ordinances that affect the real estate functions of the City.
• Researching and analyzing issues and drafting documents relating to the real estate law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate to expert knowledge of specialized laws, legal codes, government regulations and executive orders related to real estate transactions and transactional law.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and simultaneously handle numerous assignments of diverse subject matters.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to research legal and non-legal sources to advise how the law and established processes apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to lead transactions from start to finish