Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law 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 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 Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax & Revenue Unit, Property Assessment Unit, Regulatory Law Unit, and Real Estate & Development Unit.

The Pensions & Finance Division of the Commercial Law Unit represents the City in complex financial transactions and serves as the City’s corporate general counsel. Matters handled by the Division run the gamut of complexity and scale, ranging from general advisory contracts, to medium sized contracts, to multi-million-dollar investment contracts and partnerships, to municipal securities transactions in the hundreds of millions.  Each project requires attention to detail, an analytical mind, and a knowledge of the City’s various contracting processes, priorities, offices, and departments. 

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a senior level attorney licensed in Pennsylvania or eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania bar within six (6) months of hire for the position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor to supervise the Commercial Law Unit’s Pensions & Finance Division. The Divisional Deputy and attorneys within the Division advise and represent City departments in contract and municipal finance matters, in particular, the City’s Pension Board, Sinking Fund, Treasurer’s Office, Commerce Department, Grants Office, and Office of the Director of Finance. Principal practice areas include general corporate law, competitive procurement law (RFPs and bids), and federal, state and local grants, bond issues and other municipal finance matters.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with the various City, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the City’s contracting processes.  They will mitigate risk and drive efficiency by enhancing the contracting process; enhance or develop contracting templates; liaise with outside counsel in various matters; negotiate and conduct meetings with business leaders and other corporate counsel; draft, negotiate, and review complex agreements for a myriad of City services and enterprises; oversee and manage the operations of the Pensions & Finance Division; participate in City municipal finance transactions and counsel City leaders, including commissioners, directors, and City Council for the purpose of furthering the City’s commercial operations. 

The position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor has supervisory responsibilities within the Unit in addition to handling the matters described above. The Divisional position requires an attorney with strong communication, interpersonal,