Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Commercial Law Unit – Contract & Procurement Division

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an attorney to join the Commercial Law Units Contracts & Procurement Division. The ideal candidate is expected to perform the following duties:                                 

• Advise and represent City departments in particular the Procurement Department and the Capital Programs Office in contracting matters;
• Draft review and negotiate terms and conditions for a variety of contracts including contracts for the procurement of goods and services professional services contracts intergovernmental cooperation agreements public works contracts construction management agreements facility use agreements intergovernmental agreements and grant agreements;
• Help develop draft and review policies and practices to ensure contracting terms and processes are in compliance with relevant law and federal funding requirements; and
• Provide legal counsel on questions arising from the Philadelphia Code Home Rule Charter  and other applicable areas of law.

Essential Functions

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

• Keeping informed of relevant legal developments and analyzing applicability to the Citys contracting terms and processes; 
• Reviewing evaluating and periodically updating form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law and to improve the quality of contract documents;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts vendors and others involved in commercial law matters; 
• Conducting research drafting legal opinions and analyzing legal issues related to procurement construction and commercial law; 
• Reviewing and assisting City departments with the development and drafting of solicitation documents;
• Interpreting laws rulings and regulations including procurement law the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter; 
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed transactions in consultation with the Citys Division of Risk Management; 
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law; and 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws legal codes government regulations executive orders agency rules and processes.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information determine relevant facts and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to determine which applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to efficiently handle multiple transactions and projects.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Excellent writing transaction management negotiation and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications :

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one (1) year of relevant experience and within a legal setting is preferred.
• Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should ideally 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 currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: Assistant: $79512 to $90125; Deputy: $92613 to $111385; Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Amanda Stewart Hause Chief Deputy City Solicitor ().

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs 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 or send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time