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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Board of Ethics is an independent body that administers and enforces the City’s ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying laws. The Board’s mission is carried out by a dedicated team of approximately ten attorneys and compliance professionals. Board Staff carries out the day-to-day functions of the Board and is subject to the Board’s oversight. Board Staff provides advice, training, and compliance assistance to City workers, candidates, lobbyists, businesses, and City residents. Board Staff investigates and prosecutes violations of the City’s campaign finance and lobbying laws, financial disclosure requirements, conflict of interest rules, political activity restrictions, and other ethics rules.

The Board of Ethics is seeking a highly motivated and creative attorney with a commitment to promoting integrity in government.  The Staff Attorney will report to the Board’s Executive Director. The Staff Attorney will work closely with other Board attorneys to support the Board’s administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the City’s ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosure laws.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the Board’s compliance efforts by reviewing filings submitted pursuant to the City’s campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosure laws
• Identify potential violations of laws within the jurisdiction of the Board by reviewing complaints and publicly available information
• Assist in Board investigations by reviewing and organizing documents, interviewing witnesses, taking statements under oath, and preparing subpoenas and requests for information
• Conduct and report on legal and non-legal research, often under tight deadlines
• Draft memoranda, settlement agreements, pleadings, and other documents related to the Board’s compliance and enforcement efforts
• Prepare educational materials and assist with trainings
• Respond to questions and requests from City employees and members of the public while exhibiting the highest levels of courtesy and professionalism
• Other projects and tasks as required

Education and Experience

• At least two years of legal experience
• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar

Preferred Experience

• Litigation experience
• Legal intake, client services, or customer support
• Administrative law or regulatory experience

Applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications without all required documents will not be considered. All questions regarding this posting should be directed to Thomas E. Klemm at [email protected] or 215-686-9450.

Candidates will be notified before references are contacted. Candidates may be asked to provide additional materials. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Employment offers are conditioned upon successful completion of a background check and a City tax compliance check.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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