Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor - Regulatory Law Unit - Water Division

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 acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. 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 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to 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 real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.  

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 Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities. 

The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house legal services to the Water Department and represents the City and the Water Department in all transactional and regulatory matters relating to the City’s water, sewer and stormwater utility.

Position Summary 

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position.  Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate transactions, infrastructure and development projects, wholesale contracts, and grants; provide advice and counseling on environmental law compliance and enforcement; support the Water Department in utility rate hearings before the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; defend the City in administrative appeals and hearings before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review involving disputed water bills and notices of violation; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies. 

Essential Functions 

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

• Advising and representing the Water Department in matters to support its water, wastewater and stormwater utility operations.  

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating various contracts including professional service agreements, grant agreements, easement/license agreements, stormwater management agreements, state/federal cost sharing agreements, and developer agreements 

• Researching and advising on environmental law matters including: 

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders under the Clean Water Act with PA DEP and US EPA. 

• Compliance matters under local, state and federal environmental laws regulating drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous/solid waste, etc. 

• All relevant and emerging environmental regulations that affect the Water Department operations, such as the Lead & Copper rule, PFAS-related regulations, etc. 

• Handling and providing support on a large case load of administrative appeals before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review. 

• Handling administrative and civil actions to enforce Water Department regulations against property owners, developers, plumbers and customers and for violations arising under the Philadelphia Code.  

• Attending regular stakeholder meetings and providing advice in support of efforts to continue and expand public outreach to key stakeholder groups representing a diverse set of customers.       

• Supporting the Law Department’s Litigation group on litigation matters that involve the Water Department. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws and administrative procedures 

• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business 

• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes 

• Knowledge/Experience with Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act 

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

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

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate with clients at various levels with different subject matter expertise as well as external parties, including customers.   

• Strong contract drafting and negotiating skills; strong legal analytical skills. 

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

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural competency.     

• Assistant City Solicitor candidates must have one (1) plus years of relevant experience within a legal setting. This can be an entry level position.  

• Deputy City Solicitor candidates should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience.  Legal experience should include some or most of those described under Essential Functions. 

• 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. 

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

Salary Range: Assistant City Solicitor - $81,500 to $91,928; Deputy City Solicitor - $94,465 to $113,614

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor ([email protected]). 

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!

*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 [email protected].

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