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 attorneys help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development.

The Airports Division of the Regulatory Law Unit represents the Division 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. In addition to City regulations, the DOA is subject to extensive Federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, and to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation regulation. Attorneys in the Airports Division handle a diverse set of regulatory and transactional matters, including the structuring, drafting, and negotiating contracts and real estate transactions with a broad range of complexity. Regulatory Law Unit attorneys also represent the City’s Streets, Water and Health Departments and the Office of Sustainability.

The Regulatory Law Unit’s Airports Division is currently seeking a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney (minimum 10 years of legal experience) or Deputy City Solicitor position (minimum 5 years of legal experience). The attorney will work on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters handled by the Airports Division, including negotiating and drafting of contracts and advising the airport’s senior executives on legal and regulatory matters, as necessary, for the City to operate and develop its two airports. The transactional matters are, for the most part, real estate focused and include the preparation of letters of intent, leases, licenses, grant agreements, professional service contracts, pre-development and development agreements, reimbursement agreements, airline incentive agreements, easements, and concession agreements, as well as various other agreements related to the operation and development of the City’s airports. The attorney in this position also provides counsel to the senior executives in the Division of Aviation on the application of Federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to public safety, national security, commercial development, land use, zoning, noise, environmental concerns, public finance, and other day-to-day legal issues. Division attorneys’ offices are located in Philadelphia International Airport.

Essential Functions

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

• Representing the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation in matters relating to the operation and development of the two airports as detailed above.
• Structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts, including leases, of a broad range of complexity as detailed above.
• Interfacing with other City departments, including Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Reviewing and analyzing Federal, State and City laws (including the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter) that affect the DOA’s operations and functions.
• Training and mentoring junior attorneys in the Division.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions to address matters described under Position Summary
• Familiarity with airport business and related commercial transactions
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes of the City of Philadelphia
• Familiarity with transactional and/or administrative law experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department

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.

Candidates must have a Law degree from an ABA accredited law school, and must be a member, in good standing, of the Pennsylvania Bar.

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