With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

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 Right-to-Know Division of the Legislation Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging practice group that bridges both litigation and transactional practice in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a high-volume caseload of Right-to-Know Requests, appeals, and related legal guidance to all City departments, offices and boards.

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a licensed PA attorney for the Legislation Unit’s Right-to-Know Division.  Responsibilities include advising all City departments, offices, and boards on legal issues concerning the Right-to-Know Law, and various other laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, and the public release of information.  The division also provides guidance on record retention in coordination with the primary Law Department division that represents a particular department and the Litigation Unit. Attorney will also be responsible for training City employees and officials and Open Records Officers on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.  Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organizational skills are essential.  1-5 years in practice and litigation experience strongly preferred.

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

• Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia in all matters relating to the Right-to-Know Law, as well as other related laws and matters.
• Negotiating, reviewing, and drafting settlement and confidentiality agreements.
• Reviewing records and providing legal advice on the public release of such records.
• Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating form and training documents to account for changes in the law and to improve the quality and organization of such documents.
• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable law.
• Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors and others with interest in the release of City records and information.
• Researching issues and drafting memoranda and other documents relating to the City’s obligations under the Right-to-Know Law and other related laws
• Representing the City on appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation
• Advising the City on document retention matters
• Conducting research and analyzing legal issues
• Interpreting City, State and Federal laws, rulings, and regulations
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law

• The candidate should have 1-5 years of applicable experience. 
• Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•  Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, rules, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, identify relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to research and analyze what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter 
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand 
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of high profile projects with short deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and support fellow attorneys 
• Skill in the areas of persuasive writing, legal writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, and legal research

Interested applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter.

Successful candidate must be a City 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 pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx