Job Description

Position Summary

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Water Division supervises five attorneys and one legal assistant. The Divisional Deputy serves as the general counsel to the Water Department, serving on the client’s executive team, works on the practice areas described above and performs the essential functions described below.

Essential Functions

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

• Supervising and managing attorneys in the Division, support staff and outside counsel

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner, the Water Department’s Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations of the utility

• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects

• Participating in weekly Water Department Executive Staff meetings and monthly meetings with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS)

• 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

• Advise on administrative board hearings and appeals and other litigation matters involving the Water Department

• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests

• Serving as a member of the Water Department’s Bond Disclosure Committee

• 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

• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Division, the Unit and the Law Department

• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws, environmental laws, and administrative procedures

• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business

• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes

• Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and complex commercial transactions

• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making

• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys and support staff

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both lawyers and clients

• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters

• Ability to train and mentor staff

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of relevant legal experience and management experience.

• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $116,005 to $140,428 - Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Ji Jun, Chair, Corporate & Tax Group (ji.jun@phila.gov).

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx