Deputy City Solicitor – Real Estate and Development Unit

Position Summary

This position will join a group of attorneys who provide legal counsel to various City Departments including the Department of Parks and Recreation Department of Public Property Commerce Department Free Library Records Department Streets Department Office of Homeless Services Art Commission Planning Commission Managing Directors Office and the Mayors Office. 

The attorney must be or become familiar with the Citys Home Rule Charter and the Philadelphia Code in order to advise clients how to structure negotiate and document transactions.  A significant part of the job will be to negotiate and draft real estate transactional documents.  Typical transactions include conveyances leases license agreements easements concession agreements sale agreements deeds deed restrictions declarations of taking and professional service contracts as well as reviewing land and title documents appraisals and title policies.  The attorney will draft ordinances as necessary to obtain Philadelphia City Councils authorization for the transaction.  The attorney will report to the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor for the Real Estate and Economic Development Unit. 

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.

• Reviewing and evaluating federal and state laws and City ordinances that affect the real estate functions of the City.
• Researching and analyzing issues and drafting documents relating to the real estate law the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter.

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of real estate laws legal codes court procedures precedents government regulations executive orders and agency rules and process;
• Experience with turnkey development projects;
• Knowledge of land and title records and recording law;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information determine relevant facts and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators mediators opposing parties judges or juries and listen answer questions present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial inclusive and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing case management negotiating and trial skills.
• Ability to support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.
• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or 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;
•  Willingness and ability to mentor and guide more junior attorneys in the Unit.

Qualifications :

• This is an intermediate level position with a minimum of approximately four (4) 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.

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.

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: $94465 to $113614 Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Mary Josephine Markle Divisional Deputy City Solicitor Real Estate & Development Unit ().

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.

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No

Employment Type :

Full-time