With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth 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.

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 wellbeing.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Board of Ethics is an independent body that administers and enforces the City’s ethics, financial disclosure, campaign finance, and lobbying laws. The Board’s mission is carried out by a dedicated team of approximately ten attorneys and compliance professionals. Board Staff carries out the day-to-day functions of the Board and is subject to the Board’s oversight. Board Staff provides advice, training, and compliance assistance to City workers, candidates, lobbyists, businesses, and City residents. Board Staff investigates and prosecutes violations of the City’s campaign finance and lobbying laws, financial disclosure requirements, conflict of interest rules, political activity restrictions, and other ethics rules. 

The Board of Ethics is seeking a highly motivated and creative attorney with a commitment to promoting integrity in government.  The Senior Enforcement Staff Attorney will report to the Board’s Executive Director. The Senior Enforcement Staff Attorney will work closely with other Board attorneys to support the Board’s administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the City’s ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosure laws.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Board in fulfilling its duties by reviewing filings submitted pursuant to the City’s campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosure laws
• Identify potential violations of laws within the jurisdiction of the Board by reviewing complaints, referrals and publicly available information
• Independently handle their own caseload from start to finish, including conducting investigations by reviewing and organizing documents, interviewing witnesses, taking statements under oath, and preparing subpoenas and requests for information
• Conduct and report on legal and non-legal research, often under tight deadlines
• Present oral and written recommendations for proposed enforcement actions to the Executive Director and to the Board at its monthly meetings; negotiate and draft settlement agreements
• Draft pleadings and related documents and prosecute cases administratively before the Board and in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of the Board
• Prepare educational materials and assist with trainings
• Respond to questions and requests from City employees and members of the public while exhibiting the highest levels of courtesy and professionalism
• Other projects and tasks as required

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen, answer questions, explain complex legal requirements, and talk to varied audiences
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and organization skills
• Facility with standard office software programs
• Sound legal and practical judgment
• Ability to respond to changing priorities
• Enthusiasm for the work of a public integrity agency

Education and Experience

• At least five full years of legal experience
• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar
• Resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of appointment

Preferred Experience

• Litigation experience, including drafting and filing pleadings; taking discovery and responding to discovery requests; taking depositions; and handling non-jury court proceedings
• Legal intake, client services, or customer support
• Conducting investigations
• Administrative law or regulatory experience

Applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Application materials should be submitted via Smart Recruiter at https://smrtr.io/7chWR.

 All questions regarding this posting should be directed to Thomas E. Klemm at [email protected] or 215-686-9450.

Candidates will be notified before references are contacted. Candidates may be asked to provide additional materials. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Employment offers are conditioned upon successful completion of a background check and a City tax compliance check.

New employees must either be fully vaccinated against COVID – 19 or have received one dose (if receiving a two-dose vaccine) by their start date with the City and will have a 30-day grace period to become fully vaccinated. During this grace period, these employees will be required to double-mask in City offices. To find a vaccination clinic near you, please visit phila.gov/vaccine.

What We Offer:

• 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
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• A wellness program that offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within six months of employment.

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