Chief 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.

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed PA attorney with at least 9 years in practice, including substantial experience managing line attorneys, to lead the Department’s Commercial Law Unit. The Commercial Law Unit is comprised of three Divisions (Finance and Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Health, Human & Community Services Division), and at full strength, is staffed by twenty attorneys, six legal assistants and administrative support staff. For transactional matters, the Unit represents, among other City agencies, the Procurement Department, Office of Innovation and Technology, Offices of the Director of Finance and Chief Administrative Officer, the City Treasurer, and the Departments of Public Health and Human Services.  Practice areas include general contracting and contract law, municipal procurement law, technology contracting, municipal finance, telecommunications, intellectual property law, and housing law.  Experience in two or more of these areas is strongly preferred. Strong management skills and experience managing client relationships are essential.

Essential Functions

• Managing the unit and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and Philadelphia law
• Establishing a standard of excellence and accessibility in the provision of legal services
• Meeting regularly with Commissioners and other City management staff to ensure that legal services are meeting client needs.
• Communicating with all Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the divisions the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each division.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging s