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 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, and development.

The Right-to-Know Division of the Legislation and Legal Counsel Unit 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.

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed PA attorney for the Legislation and Legal Counsel Unit’s Right-to-Know Division. 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 organizational skills are essential. 1-5 years in practice and litigation experience 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.

Education and Experience

• The candidate should have 1-5 years of applicable experience
• Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organizational skills are essential
• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, rules, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and process
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, identify relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to research and analyze what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of high-profile projects with short deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and support fellow attorneys
• Skill in the areas of persuasive writing, legal writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, and legal research

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and reference list with your application. Applications without all required documents will not be considered.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Feige M. Grundman, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Right-to-Know Division (feige.grundman@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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