Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed PA attorney with at least 9 years in practice, including substantial experience managing line attorneys, to lead the Department’s Commercial Law Unit. The Commercial Law Unit is comprised of three Divisions (Finance and Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Health, Human & Community Services Division), and at full strength, is staffed by twenty attorneys, six legal assistants and administrative support staff. For transactional matters, the Unit represents, among other City agencies, the Procurement Department, Office of Innovation and Technology, Offices of the Director of Finance and Chief Administrative Officer, the City Treasurer, and the Departments of Public Health and Human Services. Practice areas include general contracting and contract law, municipal procurement law, technology contracting, municipal finance, telecommunications, intellectual property law, and housing law. Experience in two or more of these areas is strongly preferred. Strong management skills and experience managing client relationships are essential.

Essential Functions

• Managing the unit and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and Philadelphia law
• Establishing a standard of excellence and accessibility in the provision of legal services
• Meeting regularly with Commissioners and other City management staff to ensure that legal services are meeting client needs.
• Communicating with all Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the divisions the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each division.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of managers, 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 so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex policy and first impression matters.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.

Qualifications

• This is a senior level supervisory position, with a minimum of 9 years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of the Unit required.
• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: Up to $160,241 – 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 6 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!

_ *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