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 serves as general counsel to the entire City government. 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 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the 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 a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.  

The Compliance and Legislation Group includes the Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit, Compliance Unit, Right to Know Unit, HIPAA & Privacy Unit, and E-Discovery Unit. Attorneys in the HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit counsel all City departments and subunits required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) Privacy Rule and Breach Notification Rule.  The Unit also directs and supports the City’s HIPAA privacy compliance program, as well as coordinates and provides guidance on AI and federal and state privacy laws that apply to all sectors of City government.   

Professional Responsibility & Public Service

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.

Position Summary
The City of Philadelphia Law Department’s HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit seeks an entry-level privacy attorney to help provide guidance for the City on matters related to regulated data, AI, and cybersecurity.  The Assistant City Solicitor will support the HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit’s advice and guidance to the City’s HIPAA-Covered Units and other City departments regarding AI and federal and state privacy laws. The position provides an exciting opportunity to work with individuals at all levels of City government and significantly impact the City’s privacy operations.

Essential Functions
The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

•   Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to HIPAA, other data privacy laws, AI, and cybersecurity; 
•   Assisting in investigating and mitigating HIPAA incidents and addressing complaints concerning HIPAA privacy policies and processes; and
•   Assisting with creating and implementing HIPAA policies, training materials, and other compliance tools. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
This position requires both legal acumen and strong interpersonal skills.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

•    Familiarity with data privacy laws and AI governance; 
•    Knowledge of and familiarity with data incident response;  
•    Ability to communicate clearly and effectively when counseling clients and in writing;
•    Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and clients on complex projects; and 
•    Self-direction and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently.
 

•   This is an entry level position.
•   The ideal candidate should have at least 1 to 3 years of law firm or in house experience in HIPAA or other data privacy-related advising and compliance and/or data incident and breach response. 
•   Privacy or cybersecurity certification preferred but not 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.
•   Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within 6 months of hire.

Work Location & Onsite Expectations
This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role. 

Who Thrives in This Role
This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

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

Salary Range: $81,500 to $91,928 – Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Elise Bruhl, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, HIPAA and Privacy Unit ([email protected]).

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 8 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