Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law Unit – Contracts & Procurement

Company Description

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 Contracts & Procurement Division of the Commercial Law Unit represents the City in commercial transactions and serves as the City’s corporate general counsel.  It is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging transactional division, in which attorneys are expected to independently manage a diverse workload impacting nearly every aspect of the City’s business. Principal practice areas include contract drafting and negotiation, grant compliance, competitive procurement law (RFPs and bids), and general corporate law.

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a senior level attorney licensed in Pennsylvania or eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania bar within six (6) months of hire for the position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor to supervise the Commercial Law Unit’s Contracts & Procurement Division.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with the various City, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the City’s contracting processes.  They will mitigate risk and drive efficiency by enhancing the contracting process; enhance or develop contracting templates; negotiate and conduct meetings with City leaders and other corporate counsel; draft, negotiate, and review complex agreements for a myriad of City services; oversee and manage the operations of the Contracts & Procurement Division; and counsel City leaders, including commissioners, directors, and City Council for the purpose of furthering the City’s commercial operations. 

The position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor has supervisory responsibilities within the Unit in addition to handling the matters described above. The Divisional position requires an attorney with strong communication, interpersonal, and management skills. The Divisional will assist the Unit’s Chief Deputy in supervising and providing support to the attorneys in the Unit, as well as developing and implementing Unit practices.

All Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.

Essential Functions

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

• Supervising and managing the work of attorneys, providing training and support where needed;
• Providing opportunities for training and mentoring;
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment;
• Providing advice and guidance on various complex contracting matters;
• Advising and representing City departments, in particular, the City’s Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Procurement Department, Managing Director’s Office, Capital Programs Office, and operating City Departments;
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts for the procurement of professional services, grant agreements, and memoranda of understanding;
• 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 but not limited to the Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, procurement law, and federal, state and local regulations;
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed transactions in consult with the City’s Division of Risk Management;
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law;
• Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating the form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law, improve legal terms and conditions, and improve the quality of contract documents; and
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.
• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a substantial workload.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to handle time-sensitive, complex negotiations with sophisticated opposing counsel.
• Ability to draft and negotiate nuanced language adhering to City legal and policy framework.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.  
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.  
• Strong commitment to diversity in an office that values all individuals and respects differences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients. 
• Additional experience with government procurement contracting is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your 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 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

Applications should include at least three (3) professional references. Any questions related to this position should be directed to Amanda Stewart Hause, Chief Deputy City Solicitor (amanda.stewart.hause@phila.gov).

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

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