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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, real estate and community development.

The Housing & Community Development Division of the Law Department acts as in-house counsel to the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity (CEO).  It is responsible for advising the City regarding federal, state and local laws and regulations that involve housing, economic and community development.  The Housing & Community Development Division also provides legal representation to the City’s Commerce Department on economic development matters and the Vacant Property Review Committee on the disposition of City-owned land.

The Housing & Community Development Division of the Commercial Law Unit is collegial, fast-paced, challenging transactional Division in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a diverse caseload of housing, economic and community development matters, as well as some real estate matters involving the disposition of City-owned land.  

The Assistant City Solicitor (ACS) positions in the Housing & Community Development Division are responsible for handling a large volume of contracts for DHCD, CEO and the Commerce Department.  Specifically, each ACS drafts, reviews and negotiates housing and economic development contracts between the City and both non-profit and for profit sub-recipients.  The position also requires the ACS to attend weekly Contract Review Committee Meetings, handle Conflict of Interest Determinations, conduct legal research and writing and attend VPRC monthly meetings.

Qualifications:  The ideal candidates will have an interest in transactional work (there is no litigation work) involving housing, economic and community development and real estate and have 1-3 years legal experience. 

Essential Functions

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

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia and City Departments in all matter relating to housing, economic and community development
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating agreements, including professional services agreements
• Reviewing and assisting City departments with development and drafting of requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional service contract 
• Reviewing, evaluating and periodically updating the form contracts
• Working closely with clients to review and revise statements of work
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues
• Interpreting federal, state, local laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, non-profit and for-profit entities, government & quasi-government related agencies
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law

Qualifications (Education and Experience)  

• The candidate should have 1-3 years of experience in housing, economic and/or community development and/or real estate matters.   
• Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of related laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts and create and propose viable solutions
• Ability to research and analyze applicable laws and regulations for specific matters
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing 
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively, both independently and as part of a team

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Linda A. Medley, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Housing & Community Development Division (Linda.Medley@phila.gov).

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

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