Senior Attorney Regulatory Law Unit Water Division

Position Summary 

The Regulatory Law Units Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney.  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional regulatory compliance and litigation matters handled by the Water Division as described above in the Agency Description.   

Essential Functions 

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

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner the Water Departments Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations and policies of the utility.  

• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects. 

• Drafting and negotiating Water Department agreements including professional services agreements wholesale customer agreements grant agreements asset purchase agreements public-private partnership agreements development agreements 

• Handle environmental law matters including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits with regulatory agencies enforcement of Pretreatment program advising on Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule Clean Water Act and various other environmental regulations. 

• Perform real estate transactions including property purchase easement and license agreements condemnation matters. 

• Representing the Water Department in administrative board hearings and appeals and provide support on other litigation matters involving the Water Department. 

• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests. 

• Representing the Water Department in water sewer and stormwater rate proceedings. 

• Advising the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations. 

• Drafting of regulations policies and procedures. 

• Providing legal advice on customer assistance programs. 

• Interfacing with other City departments including Risk Tax Finance the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Economic Opportunity. 

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial inclusive and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity. 

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws environmental laws and administrative procedures 

• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business 

• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes 

• Knowledge/Experience with contracts real estate government procurement and complex commercial transactions 

• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making 

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both lawyers and clients 

• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters 

• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion goals of the Law Department 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

Qualifications :

• This is a senior level position with nine (9) 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 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 and resume.

Salary Range: $118325 to $143237 - Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera 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