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 attorneys help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. Regulatory Law Unit attorneys represent the City’s Streets, Water and Health Departments and the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability.

The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides in-house counsel 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. 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 defects; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies. 

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney (minimum 10 years of legal experience).  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional, regulatory compliance, and litigation matters handled by the Water Division, as described above in the Agency Description. 

Essential Functions

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

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner, the Water Department’s Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations and policies of the utility.
• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects.
• Drafting and negotiating Water Department agreements, including professional services agreements, wholesale customer agreements, grant agreements, asset purchase agreements, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements
• Handle environmental law matters, including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits with regulatory agencies, enforcement of Pretreatment program, advising on Safe Drinking Water Act, Lead and Copper Rule, Clean Water Act, and various other environmental regulations.
• Perform real estate transactions, including property purchase, easement and license agreements, condemnation matters.
• Representing the Water Department in administrative board hearings and appeals and provide support other litigation matters involving the Water Department.
• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests.
• Representing the Water Department in water, sewer and stormwater rate proceedings.
• Advising the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations.
• Drafting of regulations, policies and procedures.
• Providing legal advice on customer assistance programs.
• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws, environmental laws, and administrative procedures
• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business
• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes
• Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and complex commercial transactions
• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both lawyers and clients
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance.  Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday.  Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.  The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings.  Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is a seasoned-level position, with a preference for at least seven (7) years of legal experience.  An applicant must have at least nine years of legal experience and significant relevant expertise to be considered at the Senior Attorney level.  
• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

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

Salary Range: Up to $130,952 – Commensurate with education and experience

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

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