Assistant City Solicitor

New Jersey Department of Children and Families; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking an attorney for its Commercial Law Unit. This vital role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, advising clients on legal issues, and ensuring compliance with various laws. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, along with relevant legal experience. Employee benefits include free public transportation, paid parental leave, and health coverage.

Benefits

Unlimited free public transportation

8 weeks paid parental leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer

25% tuition discount program

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Generous retirement savings options

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of relevant legal experience preferred.
• Must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for admission by reciprocity.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating complex IT and telecommunications contracts.
• Counseling clients on various data licensing and privacy issues.
• Advising and representing the City on intellectual property and technology matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Law Degree from ABA accredited law school

Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar

Job description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an attorney for Commercial Law Unit’s Information, Communication and Technology Division. The ideal candidate is expected to perform the following duties:

• Drafting and negotiating complex information technology and telecommunications services contracts;
• Drafting and negotiating data licenses;
• Counselling clients on data licensing and privacy issues (including HIPAA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the federal regulations governing Homeless Management Information Systems, federal and Pennsylvania regulations governing substance abuse information, the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act, and the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act);
• Acting as counsel to the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology.

Essential Functions

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia and City Departments in all matters relating to intellectual property and technology;
• Advising clients on data sharing/licensing among City departments as well as with external parties, including private non-profit and for-profit entities and other governmental organizations;
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating technology agreements and associated exhibits, including professional services agreements;
• Reviewing Procurement Department competitive bids, including reviewing and assisting City departments with development and drafting of requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional service contract solicitations;
• Reviewing, 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 documents;
• Working closely with clients to review and revise statements of work;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors and others involved in intellectual property and technology matters;
• Researching issues and drafting documents relating to the City’s copyrights and trademarks;
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues;
• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter;
• Analyzing the risk profile of proposed deals;
• Negotiating settlements; and
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to efficiently handle multiple cases and projects.
• 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 information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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

Did you know?

• 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 are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (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.

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/ryFHm

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Chris Malcarney, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Commercial Law Unit ([e-mail]).

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 [e-mail]. For more information, go to the Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx