Job Description

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Regulatory Law Unit supervises four divisions:  Airports, Environmental Law, Right-of-Way and Utilities, and Water Law.  The Unit currently has 19 attorney positions.  The Chief Deputy’s direct reports include four Divisional Deputy City Solicitors (managers).  The Chief Deputy oversees the general/regulatory counsel role for the Water Department and the Philadelphia airport system.  Five Unit attorneys are collocated with the Water Commissioner and his staff.  The seven attorney positions in the Airports Division are collocated with the airport executive team at Philadelphia International Airport.  The Environmental Division provides environmental/regulatory counsel to all City departments, but in particular to the Health Department.  Philadelphia is the permitting authority for air emissions from Philadelphia sources, and the Unit provides advisory and enforcement support for the Air Management Services division of the Health Department. It also provides legal support for the Office of Sustainability and several City departments with their sustainability initiatives.  The Right-of-Way and Utility Division provides advice and regulatory counsel and transactional services to the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability (OTIS), the Streets Department and other City departments and offices in legal, regulatory, and transactional matters involving streets, sidewalks, pedestrian corridors, railroads, transportation infrastructure and public utilities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Managing all four Divisions and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners, CEOs and directors, 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 the Deputy Managing Director for OTIS, 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 environmental laws, aviation law, utility law, highway and motor vehicle laws, administrative procedure, government regulations, and executive orders
• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes
• Knowledge/Experience with government procurement and complex commercial transactions
• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making
• 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 regulatory and transactional matters
• Ability to train and mentor staff
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking

Qualifications

See above.  The ideal candidate will have prior managerial experience and significant regulatory and transactional experience with high-exposure matters. 

CANDIDATES MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BAR IN GOOD STANDING.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, WRITING SAMPLE, REFERENCES AND RESUME.

Salary Range: $125,454 – $148,166

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Valerie Robinson, Chair of the Corporate and Tax Group (Valerie.Robinson@phila.gov).

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

_PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IS REQUIRING ALL NEW EMPLOYEES TO PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19. _

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