Description

Position Summary

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Water Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney.  The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional, regulatory compliance, and litigation matters handled by the Water Division, as described above in the Agency Description.  

Essential Functions

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

• Advising City officials including the Water Commissioner, the Water Department’s Executive Staff and project managers on all legal matters arising in the operations and policies of the utility.
• Coordinate and facilitate on matters with other City agencies on high profile projects.
• Drafting and negotiating Water Department agreements, including professional services agreements, wholesale customer agreements, grant agreements, asset purchase agreements, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements.
• Handle environmental law matters, including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits with regulatory agencies, enforcement of Pretreatment program, advising on Safe Drinking Water Act, Lead and Copper Rule, Clean Water Act, and various other environmental regulations.
• Perform real estate transactions, including property purchase, easement and license agreements, condemnation matters.
• Representing the Water Department in administrative board hearings and appeals and provide support on other litigation matters involving the Water Department.
• Assisting the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests.
• Representing the Water Department in water, sewer and stormwater rate proceedings.
• Advising the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations.
• Drafting of regulations, policies and procedures.
• Providing legal advice on customer assistance programs.
• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws, environmental laws, and administrative procedures
• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business
• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes
• Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and complex commercial transactions
• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally for both lawyers and clients
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is a senior level position, with nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required. 
• 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?

• This position will be located at the Jefferson Tower, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
• 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 SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/wQMwd 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor (nina.rivera@phila.gov).

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