Assistant or Deputy City Solicitor

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position.  Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate transactions, infrastructure and development projects, wholesale contracts, and grants; provide advice and counseling on environmental law compliance and enforcement; support the Water Department in utility rate hearings before the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; defend the City in administrative appeals and hearings before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review involving disputed water bills and notices of defect; and assist the Water Department with the drafting of new regulations and policies.Essential FunctionsIn addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:Advising and representing the Water Department in matters to support its water, wastewater and stormwater utility operations.Reviewing, drafting and negotiating various contracts including professional service agreements, grant agreements, easement/license agreements, stormwater management agreements, state/federal cost sharing agreements, and developer agreementsResearching and advising on environmental law matters including:National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders under the Clean Water Act with PA DEP and US EPA.Compliance matters under local, state and federal environmental laws regulating drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, air, hazardous/solid waste, etc.All relevant and emerging environmental regulations that affect the Water Department operations, such as the Lead & Copper rule, PFAS-related regulations, etc.Handling and providing support on a large case load of administrative appeals before the Tax Review Board and Board of Licenses and Inspection Review.Handling administrative and civil actions to enforce Water Department regulations against property owners, developers, plumbers and customers and for violations arising under the Philadelphia Code.Attending regular stakeholder meetings and providing advice in support of efforts to continue and expand public outreach to key stakeholder groups representing a diverse set of customers.     Supporting the Law Department’s Litigation group on litigation matters that involve the Water Department.Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws and administrative proceduresKnowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility businessKnowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processesKnowledge/Experience with Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water ActKnowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and commercial transactionsKnowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate casesExcellent judgment and critical thinkingStrong 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 environmentStrong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural competency.   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.