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 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 community development.  The Airports Division of the Regulatory Affairs Unit represents the Division of Aviation of the Department of Commerce of the City (the “DOA”).  The DOA owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport.  Those airports, which receive no City taxpayer funding, are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City.  In addition to City regulation, the DOA is subject to extensive Federal regulation, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, and to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation regulation.  Airports Division attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to manage a diverse set of regulatory and transactional matters, including advising on structuring, drafting, and negotiating contracts, including leases, of a broad range of complexity.  Regulatory Affairs Unit attorneys also represent the City’s Streets, Water and Health Departments and the Office of Sustainability.

The Regulatory Affairs Unit’s Airports Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an Assistant or Deputy City Solicitor position. This primary responsibility will be to work on transactional matters including negotiating and reviewing leases, letters of intent, deeds, license agreements, grant agreements, professional service contracts, development and pre-development agreements, reimbursement agreements, airline incentive agreements, utility easement and extinguishment of easement agreements, exclusive area agreements, concession agreements, nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment agreements, public works contracts, services, supplies and equipment (SS&E) contracts, and various other agreements related to the operation and development of the City’s airports.  Additionally, this Deputy may be required to performs regulatory and compliance work associated with federal and state regulations of airports. Division attorneys’ offices are located in Philadelphia International Airport. Transactional work experience involving contracts, information technology, financing and/or real estate is desired for an Assistant, and required for a Deputy.

Essential Functions

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

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation in matters relating to the two airports that it owns and operates.
• Advising DOA officials on the structuring of, drafting, and negotiating contracts, including leases, of a broad range of complexity.  Airports attorneys formally approve DOA contracts as to form in accordance with the Law Department’s responsibilities under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
• Drafting and codifying DOA regulations.
• Reviewing and evaluating Federal, Commonwealth and City laws (including the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter) that affect the DOA’s operations and functions.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to find what laws and regulations and other transactional considerations apply to a specific matter
• Ability to write and speak persuasively
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
• Ability and interest in working closely with engineers and other technical staff involved in the operation of the Division of Aviation’s airports and other City Departments
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process

Transactional experience is preferred for an Assistant, and required for a Deputy.       

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing sample, references and resume.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Scott Schwarz, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, ([email protected]).

Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000 

Did you know?

• 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

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

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