Assistant City Solicitor - 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 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 major economic development initiatives and real estate transactions. 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, 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

Position Summary

The Real Estate & Development Unit is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor position.  This is an entry level position for attorneys interested in real estate and contract law.    The attorney will also work on transactional matters including negotiating and reviewing leases, licenses agreements, deeds, grant agreements, professional service contracts and other agreements.

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

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.