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 Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities.

Attorneys in the Environmental Division work on a diverse array of environmental issues for City clients, from once-in-a-generation redevelopment projects to enforcing permit conditions. Attorneys in the Environmental Division are multi-disciplinary practitioners, with competence in litigation, transactions, and regulatory counseling.

The Division’s primary client, Air Management Services (AMS), and the City’s Air Management Code, predate the federal Clean Air Act. The City has delegated authority to implement large portions of the federal and state air control programs and also promulgates its own air pollution regulations. The Division counsels AMS in all areas of its air protection mission, including developing innovative regulations, advising on public involvement and environmental justice issues, counseling on permitting, and enforcing air pollution requirements in state court and before local boards. Attorneys in the Division work closely with our counterparts at EPA and PADEP and make a real impact on the environment and public health of the City.

In addition to the Division’s work in air, the Division provides substantial counsel to all City agencies and departments related to brownfield remediation and development, including guidance on Act 2 and Toxic Substances Control Act, as well as several Superfund/CERCLA matters. Attorneys in the Division play an integral role in negotiating leases, access agreements, and the evaluation of major real estate development within the City. Attorneys also provide compliance counseling regarding contamination occurring on City properties.

Currently the Division is actively expanding its role to support the City’s ongoing sustainability, climate resiliency, and environmental justice initiatives, including development of environmental justice and public participation policies and strategies.

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Environmental Division is the supervising attorney within the Division and works directly with the Director of Air Management Services, the Commissioner of the Health Department, and senior management teams in various City departments to support the City’s air pollution control program and other key environmental and sustainability initiatives. The Division currently has two staff attorneys. The ideal candidate will have at least eight years of legal experience including prior management experience and significant experience with environmental law. Strong research and drafting skills are required, as well as an ability to independently manage a large number of complex matters and communicate and work closely with a diverse group of City clients and federal and state environmental agencies.

Essential Functions

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

• Supervising and managing attorneys in the Division, support staff, and outside counsel
• Coordinating all legal matters involving the Air Management Services (AMS) and the Air Pollution Control Board
• Advising and representing AMS in compliance and enforcement matters
• Advising AMS regarding air emission permits and licenses
• Advising various agencies and departments on Brownfield and Act 2 cleanup and redevelopment matters
• Advising AMS and various other agencies and departments on Environmental Justice issues
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts, grant agreements, access agreements, and certain permits
• Advising on and handling compliance matters under a wide range of local, state, and federal environmental laws regulating municipal functions such as underground tanks and waste disposal.
• Tracking and advising on relevant environmental laws and regulations that affect the City
• Drafting of regulations, policies, and procedures
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Division, the Unit, and the Law Department
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental laws, administrative law and municipal law
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters
• Ability to train and mentor staff
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements
• Ability to analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents

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.

• 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 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 $134,510 - Commensurate with education and experience

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