Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor - Regulatory Law Unit - Water 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 Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax & Revenue Unit, Property Assessment Unit, Regulatory Law Unit, and Real Estate & Development Unit. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities.

The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house legal services to the Water Department and represents the City and the Water Department in all transactional and regulatory matters relating to the City’s water, sewer and stormwater utility.

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate transactions, infrastructure and development projects, wholesale contracts, and grants; provide advice and counseling on environmental law compliance and enforcement; support the Water Department in utility rate hearings before the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; defend the City in administrative appeals and hearings before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review involving disputed water bills and notices of violation; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies.

Essential Functions:

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

• Advising and representing the Water Department in matters to support its water, wastewater and stormwater utility operations.
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating various contracts including professional service agreements, grant agreements, easement/license agreements, stormwater management agreements, state/federal cost sharing agreements, and developer agreements
• Researching and advising on environmental law matters including:

o National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders under the Clean Water Act with PA DEP and US EPA.

o Compliance matters under local, state and federal environmental laws regulating drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous/solid waste, etc.

o All relevant and emerging environmental regulations that affect the Water Department operations, such as the Lead & Copper ru