Deputy City Solicitor - Right To Know Unit

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Right-to-Know Unit of the Compliance & Legislation Group is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging practice group that bridges both litigation and transactional practice in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a high-volume caseload of Right-to-Know Requests, appeals, and related legal guidance to all City departments, offices, and boards.

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a Deputy City Solicitor for the Compliance & Legislation Group’s Right to Know Unit. Responsibilities include advising all City departments, offices, and boards on legal issues concerning the Right-to-Know Law and various other laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, and the release of public records. The division also provides guidance on record retention in coordination with the primary Law Department division that represents a particular department and the Litigation Unit. Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organization skills are essential. 5+ years in practice with litigation experience, including eDiscovery experienced, are strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia in all matters relating to the Right-to-Know Law, as well as other related laws and matters.
• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable law.
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others with interest in the release of public City records and information.
• Reviewing records and providing legal advice on the public release of records.
• Researching issues and drafting memoranda and other documents relating to the City’s obligations under the Right-to-Know Law and other related laws.
• Representing the City on appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation.
• Advising the City on document-retention matters.
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues.
• Interpreting City, State, and Federal laws, rulings, and regulations.
• Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating form and training documents to account for changes in the law and improvement of the quality and organization of these documents.
• Training City employees and officials and Open Records Officers on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.
• Negotiating, reviewing, and drafting settlement and confidentiality agreements.
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.

​​​​​​​Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organizational skills are essential.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability research and analyze what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so other will understand.
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of high-profile projects with short deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• A strong commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference.
• Excellent research, persuasive writing, legal writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation skills.

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

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $92,612 to $111,385 – Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s 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 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx