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 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 staff members, including attorneys and compliance professionals. Board Staff carries out the day-to-day functions of the Board, 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 an attorney with one (1) to three (3) years of legal experience.  The Staff Attorney will report to the Board’s Executive Director as part of the Board’s Enforcement Staff. 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.

This is an entry level position that provides a unique opportunity for growth and development under the supervision of experienced government ethics professionals.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Board in fulfilling its duties 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, referrals, and publicly available information
• Independently handle their own caseload from start to finish, including conducting investigations by reviewing and organizing documents, interviewing witnesses, taking statements under oath, and preparing subpoenas and requests for information
• Conduct and summarize legal and non-legal research, occasionally under tight deadlines
• Present oral and written recommendations for proposed enforcement actions to the Executive Director and to the Board at its monthly meetings
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements
• Draft pleadings and related documents and prosecute cases administratively before the Board and in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
• Review Board regulations and recommend and draft proposed amendments as necessary
• Support other Board staff as needed in conducting investigations and pursuing enforcement actions
• Other projects and tasks as required

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen, answer questions, explain complex legal requirements, and talk to varied audiences
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and organization skills
• Familiarity with standard office software programs
• Sound legal and practical judgment
• Ability to respond to changing priorities
• Enthusiasm for the work of a public integrity agency

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

Education and Experience

• 1-3 years of legal practice experience
• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar 

Preferred Experience

• Investigatory experience, including reviewing document productions and interviewing witnesses both informally and under oath
• Administrative law or regulatory agency experience
• Litigation experience, including drafting and filing pleadings; taking discovery and responding to discovery requests; taking depositions; and handling non-jury court proceedings
• Legal intake, client services, or customer support

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and names/contact information of 3 professional references; additional documents may be requested later.

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.

All questions regarding this posting should be directed to Thomas E. Klemm at [email protected] or 215-686-9450.

Salary Range: $70,000 

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 6 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