Company Description

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 City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities.

The Environmental Division acts as counsel to the Department of Public Health’s Air Management Services (AMS) Division, which includes regulatory counseling under the Clean Air Act, the Air Pollution Control Act, the City’s Air Management Code and attendant regulations, and Title 6 of the Health Code on asbestos. The Division supports AMS in enforcement actions in state and federal courts; negotiates agreements with PADEP and EPA; and provides general counseling on all air pollution regulatory and programmatic issues.

In addition, the Division provides counsel to all City departments and agencies on federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including Act 2, RCRA, HSCA, the NJ Spill Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Streams Law, and NEPA, among others. This includes advising on major development projects in the City and various real estate transactions. The Division is also expanding its practice as it supports the Office of Sustainability on various City initiatives and programs on sustainability, climate resiliency, and environmental justice.

Job Description

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Environmental Division is seeking to fill a Senior Attorney position. The attorney will work under the supervision of the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Environmental Division. The position requires working directly with Air Management Services and other City departments to support the City’s air pollution control program and other key environmental and sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will have at least nine (9) years of legal experience including significant experience with environmental and regulatory law. The candidate should be comfortable advising a wide range of City clients, from inspectors to Commissioners, and representing them in various forums, including public hearings on Title V permit applications and state and federal court.  Strong research and drafting skills are required, as well as an ability to independently manage a large volume of complex matters and communicate and work closely with a diverse group of City clients and federal and state environmental agencies.

Essential Functions

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

• Coordinating legal matters involving Air Management Services (AMS) and the Air Pollution Control Board
• Advising and representing AMS in compliance and enforcement matters
• Representing AMS in different forums, including the Board of Licenses and Inspections Review, municipal court, the Court of Common Pleas, and Federal Court
• Advising AMS regarding air emission permits and licenses
• Advising various City agencies and departments on Brownfield and Act 2 cleanup and redevelopment matters
• Advising AMS and various other City agencies and departments on Environmental Justice issues
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts, grant agreements, access agreements, and permits
• Advising on and handling compliance matters under a wide range of local, state, and federal environmental laws regulating municipal functions such as underground storage tanks, waste disposal, and wetlands mitigation
• Tracking and advising on relevant environmental lawsuits, laws, and regulations that affect the City
• Drafting of regulations, policies, and procedures
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Division, the Unit, and the Law Department
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental laws, administrative/regulatory law, and municipal law
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both legal professionals and the general public
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters
• Ability to train and mentor staff
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements
• Ability to analyze probable outcomes of cases and advise clients using experience and knowledge of legal precedents

Qualifications

• This is a senior level position, with a requirement of nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit. Candidates with less than nine (9) years of experience who can demonstrate an exceptional combination of skill and experience in the above competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Up to $134,510 - Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• 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 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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