Assistant City Solicitor, Commercial Law Unit (Intellectual Property Division)

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking a licensed PA attorney for the Commercial Law Unit’s Intellectual Property Division. 1-3 years in practice strongly preferred, including directly managing client relationships. Responsibilities include counselling clients on data licensing and privacy issues: drafting and negotiating data licenses; drafting and negotiating complex information technology and telecommunications services contracts; telecommunications law, including cable franchise regulation and City filings in FCC rulemaking proceedings that impact City interests; and counsel to the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology. Strong drafting and negotiating skills essential; substantial experience in technology law and a demonstrated interest in public service strongly preferred.Essential FunctionsIn addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia and City Departments in all matter relating to intellectual property and technologyReviewing, drafting and negotiating technology agreements and associated exhibits, including professional services agreementsReviewing Procurement Department competitive bids, including reviewing and assisting City departments with development and drafting of requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional service contract solicitationsServing as legal counsel to the Contracts Division of the Office the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code governing competition and transparency in procurement of professional services contractsReviewing, evaluating and periodically updating the form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law, improve legal terms and conditions, and improve the quality of contract documentsWorking closely with clients to review and revise statements of workCommunicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors and others involved in intellectual property and technology mattersResearching issues and drafting documents relating to the City’s copyrights and trademarksConducting research and analyzing legal issuesInterpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia CharterAnalyzing the risk profile of proposed dealsNegotiating settlementsPerforming administrative functions related to the practice of lawOther duties as assignedCompetencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;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 and clearly convey information and ideas in writing;Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and cultural competency.Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;Excellent writing and negotiating skills.Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate with clients at various levels with different subject matter expertise as well as external parties, including customers. Strong contract drafting and negotiating skills; strong legal analytical skills.Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.Work-LifeThe 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.