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. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in a wide variety of utility, infrastructure, transportation, environmental and sustainability matters. 

The Airport Division of the Regulatory Law Unit represents the Department of Aviation of the City (the “DOA”).  The DOA owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport.  These airports are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City.  In addition to City regulations, the DOA is subject to extensive Federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, and to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation regulation.  Attorneys in the Airports Division handle a diverse set of regulatory and transactional matters, including the structuring, drafting, and negotiating contracts and real estate transactions with a broad range of complexity. 

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Airport Division is seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position.  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters handled by the Airports Division, including negotiating and drafting of contracts and advising the airport staff on legal and regulatory matters, as necessary, for the City to operate and develop its two airports.  The transactional matters include the preparation of letters of intent, leases, licenses, grant agreements, professional service contracts, pre-development and development agreements, reimbursement agreements, airline incentive agreements, easements, and concession agreements, as well as various other agreements related to the operation and development of the City’s airports. The attorney in this position also provides counsel on the application of Federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to public safety, national security, commercial development, land use, zoning, noise, environmental concerns, and other day-to-day legal issues.  Division attorneys’ offices are located in Philadelphia International Airport. 

Essential Functions

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

• Representing the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation in matters relating to the operation and development of the two airports as detailed above.
• Structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts, including leases, of a broad range of complexity as detailed above.
• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Reviewing and analyzing Federal, State and City laws (including the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter) that affect the DOA’s operations and functions.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions to address matters described under Position Summary
• Familiarity with airport business and related commercial transactions
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes of the City of Philadelphia
• Familiarity with transactional and/or administrative law experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department

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.

• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months. 

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

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