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 development. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in a wide variety of utility, transportation, environmental and sustainability matters.

The Transportation Division of the Regulatory Law Unit represents the Department of Aviation of the City (the “DOA”). The DOA owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. These airports are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City. The Division handles issues relating to various City ordinances and regulations; federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration; and federal and state environmental regulations. Transportation Division also manages a diverse set transactions, including contracts and real estate matters- drafting and negotiating grant agreements, licenses, leases, concessions, professional services, and developer agreements. Other legal matters include cost recovery actions, collections, cybersecurity, bond issuance, First Amendment issues, management of outside counsel on tort claims, and other day-to-day legal issues connected with operating the City’s airports.

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Transportation Division serves as the General Counsel to the Department of Aviation and is the supervising attorney for the Division. The Divisional works directly with the Division of Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer and senior executive team on legal, business, and regulatory matters related to the Philadelphia International Airport and the Philadelphia Northeast Airport. The job duties consist of supervising the team of attorneys on all matters handled by the Transportation Division, preparing and negotiating a wide variety of contracts, and advising the airport's senior executives on a wide range of legal matters as necessary for the City to operate and develop its two airports. These job duties generally involve all legal disciplines associated with solving the problems presented by the operation and development of the City’s two airports, including contracts, information technology, financing and real estate matters, and providing advice on federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to public safety, national security, land use, noise, environmental concerns, commercial development, public finance and other airport-related matters.

Essential Functions

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

• Supervising and managing attorneys in the Division, support staff and outside counsel
• Coordinating all regulatory and transactional matters involving the Department of Aviation
• Structuring of, drafting, and negotiating contracts and transactions, of a broad range of complexity
• Advising and representing the Department of Aviation on a wide range of matters that affect the operation and development of the City’s airports
• 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 federal and state laws and regulations applicable to airports
• Knowledge of administrative law and procedures
• Knowledge of the Philadelphia Charter and Code and municipal law
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Ability to advise and work closely with senior management, engineers and other technical staff involved in the operation of the airports
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys and support staff
• Ability to manage a large volume of complex regulatory and transactional matters
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally, in a clear and effective manner to both lawyers and non-lawyers
• Ability to train and mentor staff
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

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

Salary Range: Up to $124,373 – Commensurate with education and experience

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

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