Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor - Regulatory Law Unit, Airport Division

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Airport Division is seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor position.  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters handled by the Airport Division, including negotiating and drafting of contracts and advising the airport staff on legal and regulatory matters, as necessary, for the City to operate and develop its two airports.  The transactional matters include the preparation and review of letters of intent, leases, licenses, grant agreements, professional service contracts, pre-development and development agreements, reimbursement agreements, airline incentive agreements, easements, and concession agreements, as well as various other agreements related to the operation and development of the City’s airports. The attorney in this position also provides counsel on the application of Federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to contract terms, contract structure, public safety, national security, commercial development, land use, environmental concerns, and other day-to-day legal issues.  Division attorneys’ offices are located next to the Philadelphia International Airport.   

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• Representing the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation in matters relating to the operation and development of the two airports as detailed above.  

• Structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts, including leases, of a broad range of complexity as detailed above.  

• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, Litigation, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.  

• Reviewing and analyzing Federal, State, 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 to address matters described under Position Summary 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

• Strong drafting and negotiating skills 

• Strong legal analytical skills 

• Experience in administrative and/or civil litigation or claims 

• Familiarity with airport business and related commercial transactions 

• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes of the City of Philadelphia 

• Familiarity with transactional and/or administrative law experience 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department 

Qualifications

Qualifications (Education and Experience) 

• Assistant City Solicitor candidates must have one (1) plus years of relevant experience within a legal setting. This can be an entry level position.  

• Deputy City Solicitor candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience.  Legal experience should include some or most of those described under Essential Functions. 

• 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. 

• Work Location & Onsite Expectations 

• This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.  

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: 

Assistant: $81,500 to $91,928 

Deputy: $94,465 to $113,614 – 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 8 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 [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx