 Position SummaryThe City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks a Deputy City Solicitor for the Compliance & Legislation Group’s Right to Know Unit. 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 release of public records. 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. Strong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organization skills are essential. 5+ years in practice with litigation experience, including eDiscovery experienced, are strongly preferred.
Essential FunctionsResponsibilities 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.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 public City records and information.Reviewing records and providing legal advice on the public release of records.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.Reviewing, evaluating, and periodically updating form and training documents to account for changes in the law and improvement of the quality and organization of these documents.Training City employees and officials and Open Records Officers on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.Negotiating, reviewing, and drafting settlement and confidentiality agreements.Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesStrong analytical, negotiation, research, persuasive writing, and organizational skills are essential.Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes.Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.Ability research and analyze what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so other will understand.Ability to independently manage a large volume of high-profile projects with short deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.A strong commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference.Excellent research, persuasive writing, legal writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation skills.
