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 lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax & Revenue Unit, Property Assessment Unit, Regulatory Law Unit, and Real Estate & Development Unit.

The Finance and Contracts Division of the Commercial Law Unit is the City’s corporate general counsel. It is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging transactional division, in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a diverse workload impacting nearly every aspect of the City’s business. Matters handled by the Division run the gamut of complexity and scale, ranging from small order purchases, to medium sized contracts, to multi-million-dollar projects, to municipal securities transactions in the hundreds of millions. Each project requires an attention to detail, an analytical mind, and a knowledge of the City’s various contracting processes, priorities, offices, and departments.

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed PA attorney to join the Commercial Law Unit’s Finance and Contracts Division. The ideal candidate is expected to perform the following duties:

• Provide guidance and support to City departments, including, but not limited to, the City's Procurement Department, Department of Public Property, and the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability with respect to drafting, and enforcing contracts;
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for the City, including for professional services, public works, the procurement of goods and services, as well as intergovernmental agreements and other ad hoc agreements as necessary;
• Review non-competitive solicitations, including reviewing, and assisting City departments with the development and drafting of RFPs for professional service contract;
• Conduct research, draft legal opinions, and analyze legal issues related to City contracts and commercial law, in general;
• Provide legal counsel to various departments in the City, in particular, with respect to questions arising from Pennsylvania procurement law, the Philadelphia Code, and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter;
• Update Law Department contract and solicitation documents as needed.

Essential Functions

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

• Advising and representing the City and its departments in all matters relating to business and commercial law;
• Reviewing non-competitive bids, including reviewing and assisting City departments with the development and drafting of RFPs for professional service contract solicitations;
• Working closely with clients to review and revise statements of work;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in business and commercial law matters;
• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to commercial law;
• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code, and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter;
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed transactions in consult with the City’s Division of Risk Management;
• Negotiating settlements; and
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate and clearly convey information and ideas in writing;
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;
• Excellent writing and negotiating skills.

• Law degree at an ABA accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar;
• Resident of the City of Philadelphia within six (6) months of hire; and
• As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

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

Salary Range: Up to $75,758

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