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 of 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 community development.

The Intellectual Property Division of the Commercial Law Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging transactional Division in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage a diverse caseload of technology matters.

POSITION SUMMARY
City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks licensed PA attorney for Commercial Law Unit’s Intellectual Property Division. 1-5 years in practice strongly preferred. Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating complex information technology and telecommunications services contracts; telecommunications law, including cable franchise regulation; drafting and negotiating data licenses; and counsel to the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology. Strong drafting and negotiating skills essential; substantial experience in technology law strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

•    Advising and representing the City of Philadelphia and City Departments in all matter relating to intellectual property and technology
•    Reviewing, drafting and negotiating technology agreements and associated exhibits, including professional services agreements
•    Reviewing Procurement Department competitive bids, including reviewing and assisting City departments with development and drafting of requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional service contract solicitations
•    Serving as legal counsel to the Contracts Division of the Office the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code governing competition and transparency in procurement of professional services contracts
•    Reviewing, evaluating and periodically updating the form contract and solicitation documents to account for changes in the law, improve legal terms and conditions, and improve the quality of contract documents
•    Working closely with clients to review and revise statements of work
•    Communicating with City business stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors and others involved in intellectual property and technology matters
•    Researching issues and drafting documents relating to the City’s copyrights and trademarks
•    Conducting research and analyzing legal issues
•    Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies, including procurement law, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Charter
•    Analyzing the risk profile of proposed deals
•    Negotiating settlements
•    Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The candidate should have 1-5 years of experience in technology and commercial transactions.

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

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