Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor Right to Know Unit

City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 79,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking an Assistant or Deputy City Solicitor for its Compliance & Legislation Group. This role involves advising on legal issues related to the Right-to-Know Law, ensuring compliance, and conducting legal research. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical, negotiation, and writing skills, with relevant legal experience preferred.

Benefits

Free public transportation

Paid parental leave

Health coverage

Wellness programs

Paid leave

Retirement options

Student loan forgiveness

Tuition discounts

Scholarships

Qualifications

• Entry-level position requires 1+ year relevant legal experience for Assistant Solicitor.
• Deputy Solicitor requires minimum 4+ years legal experience.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for reciprocity.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City on Right-to-Know Law matters.
• Collaborate with clients to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Research

Persuasive writing

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an Assistant City Solicitor or 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 other laws related to privacy, confidentiality, and public records. The Unit also provides guidance on record retention, coordinating with relevant Law Department divisions and the Litigation Unit. Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Experience with e-Discovery is preferred.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia on matters related to the Right-to-Know Law and other relevant laws.
2. Collaborating with clients to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
3. Communicating with stakeholders, subject matter experts, vendors, and others interested in the release of public records.
4. Reviewing records and providing legal advice on their public release.
5. Researching legal issues and drafting memoranda and related documents.
6. Representing the City in appeals and litigation related to Right-to-Know Law requests.
7. Advising on document-retention policies.
8. Conducting legal research and analysis.
9. Interpreting laws, regulations, and rulings at city, state, and federal levels.
10. Updating forms and training materials to reflect legal changes and improve quality.
11. Training City employees and officials on compliance requirements.
12. Negotiating and drafting settlement and confidentiality agreements.
13. Performing administrative legal functions.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to manage high-profile projects independently under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate large information sets and propose solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for teamwork and collaboration.
• Proficiency in legal research, persuasive and legal writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues within fact patterns.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, court procedures, and government processes.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Assistant City Solicitor: Entry-level position; 1+ year relevant legal experience preferred.
• Deputy City Solicitor: Intermediate level; minimum of 4+ years legal experience required, ideally related to the position's responsibilities.
• Must have a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for reciprocity admission. Continued employment for non-PA admitted attorneys is at the Law Department's discretion.

Additional Information

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: Assistant: $79,512 - $90,125; Deputy: $92,612 - $111,385, commensurate with experience.

Benefits include: Free public transportation, paid parental leave, health coverage, wellness programs, paid leave, retirement options, student loan forgiveness, tuition discounts, and scholarships.

*The successful candidate must reside in Philadelphia within six months of hire.*

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for most positions, except those with patient-facing medical duties.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected statuses is prohibited. Contact: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or [e-mail]. More info at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx