Description

Position Summary

The Real Estate & Development Unit is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania Attorney to fill an Assistant City Solicitor position.  This is an entry level position for attorneys interested in real estate and contract law.    The attorney will work on transactional matters including negotiating,  reviewing and drafting lease agreement, licenses agreements, deeds,  grant agreements, professional service contracts and other agreements. The attorney will also research property title history and draft ordinances to obtain Philadelphia City Council authorization when needed for transactions.

Essential Functions

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.

• Advising and representing City Departments in all real estate transactions involving the use of City property or the City’s use of private property.
• Reviewing and evaluating federal and state laws and City ordinances that affect the real estate functions of the City.
• Researching and analyzing issues and drafting documents relating to real estate law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter.

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with agreements and documents related to real estate transactions;
• Knowledge of real estate laws, legal codes,  government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their positions,  and answer questions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns. 
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing and negotiating skills.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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. 

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Additional Information 

Did you know?

• 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/yR6t4 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Mary Josephine Markle, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate & Development Unit (maryjosephine.markle@phila.gov).

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 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