Senior Attorney – 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 Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our attorneys help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. Regulatory Law Unit attorneys represent the City’s Streets, Water and Health Departments and the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability.

The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house counsel 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. 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 defects; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies. 

Job Description

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney (minimum 10 years of legal experience).  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional, regulatory compliance, and litigation matters handled by the Water Division, as described above in the Agency Description. 

Essential Functions

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

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner, the Water Department’s Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations and policies of the utility.
• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects.
• Drafting and negotiating Water Department agreements, including professional services agreements, wholesale customer agreements, grant agreements, asset purchase agreements, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements
• Handle environmental law matters, including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits with regulatory agencies, enforcement of Pretreatment program, advising on Safe Drinking Water Act, Lead and Copper Rule, Clean Water Act, and various other environmental regulations.
• Perform real estate transactions, including property purchase, easement and license agreements, condemnation matters.
• Representing the Water Department in administrative board hearings and appeals and provide support other litigation matters involving the Water Department.
• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests.
• Representing the Water Department in water, sewer and stormwater rate proceedings.
• Advising the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations.
• Drafting of regulations, policies and procedures.
• Providing legal advice on customer assistance programs.
• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities