Deputy 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 serves as general counsel to the entire City government. 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 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the 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 a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness. 

The Real Estate and Development Unit of the Law Department represents the City in major economic development initiatives and real estate transactions. The attorneys in this unit serve as corporate, real estate, and transactional counsel to all City Departments and are called upon to help structure, negotiate, and document any transfer or acquisition of City property interests or licensing of City property.

Professional Responsibility & Public Service

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.

Job Description

Position Summary

This position will join a group of attorneys who provide legal counsel to various City Departments, including, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Property, Commerce Department, Free Library, Records Department, Streets Department, Office of Homeless Services, Art Commission, Planning Commission, Managing Director’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office. 

The attorney must be or become familiar with the City’s Home Rule Charter and the Philadelphia Code in order to advise clients how to structure, negotiate, and document transactions.  A significant part of the job will be to negotiate and draft real estate transactional documents.  Typical transactions include conveyances, leases, license agreements, easements, concession agreements, sale agreements, deeds, deed restrictions, declarations of taking and professional service contracts as well as reviewing land and title documents, appraisals, and title policies.  The attorney will draft ordinances as necessary to obtain Philadelphia City Council’s authorization for the transaction.  The attorney will report to the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor for the Real Estate and Economic Development Unit. 

Essential Functions

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

• Reviewing and evaluating federal and state laws and City ordinances that affect the real esta