60 Philadelphia Inquirer Legal Counsel Jobs Hiring Near You

Company Description

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 City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.   

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.   

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City's workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.   

The Compliance and Legislation Group encompasses the Department's Compliance Unit, Right-to-Know Unit, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Privacy Law Unit, Legislation and Legal Counsel Unit, E-Discovery & Data Strategies Unit, and the Communications Team. It manages the majority of the City's requests from the public under the PA Right-to-Know (RTK) Law; advises City departments on HIPAA and other confidentiality requirements for healthcare, social services, and criminal justice information as well as manages incidents involving potential HIPAA/privacy breaches; coordinates all Law Department communications and advises clients on communications matters; oversees investigative requests and manages various investigations on behalf of the Law Department; and manages electronic discovery matters and data management projects. 

Professional Responsibility & Public Service 

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Law Departmentseeksalicensed attorney with a minimum of9yearsofexperienceto direct theComplianceUnit,whichprovides counseling and representation on issues involving compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, andrisk mitigation strategiesto City departments and officials with a focus on the following high-need areas: 

• Children and Families:advisingthe Department of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library,and the Office of Youth Ombudsperson. 

• Health and Public Safety:advisingthe Managing Director's Office, the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services, the Department of Health, the Public Safety Director's Office, the Department of Prisons, and the Police Department. The unit also works with the Office of Emergency Management. 

• Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act:advisingthe Office of Homeless Services, the Streets Department,the Office of Human Relationsand other City departments and offices. 

• Grantscompliance, including guidance on federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders. 

• Elections compliance:advisingthe Board of Electionsand the City Commissioners on electionsrelated matters in conjunction with the Affirmative and Special Litigation Unit. 

• Sunshine Act: advising about complianceregardingdeliberations and public actions, including mandatesforpublicnotice of meetings, opportunities for public comment, and open voting, with limited exceptions for executiveaction. 

Essential Functions 

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• Leadership & Management:Supervisesattorneys innumerous, widely variedsubstantive areasin a growing unit of the Law Departmentandcurrentlyoversees the work of5attorneys. 

• Strategic Advisory:Provides high-level legal counsel to theDepartment of Human Services,DBHIDS,Parks and Recreation, Free Library, Department of Public Safety, Prisons, Police,Office of People with Disabilitiesand other city departments and agencies 

• Legal andRegulatory Compliance:Adviseon policies, agency strategies and initiatives, directives, and other mattersimpactingthelegal liabilityofthe City; Implements, executes, and manages the Compliance Unit's activities, specifically monitoring and oversight of City agencies; Leads ongoing risk assessments of clients' compliance policies and procedures.  

• Coordination:Interacts withLaw Department leadership,City officials and handles legal matters associated with majorlicensureregulations, and thelegal impact of administrative and operational issues. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Preferred 3+years compliance experience with governmental or corporate entity 

• Expertiseinseveral of the substantive areas, anddemonstratedability tolearn and lead work in diverse topics 

• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of attorneys and lead a legal unit 

• Demonstrated ability to managenumerouscomplex and time-criticalprojects simultaneously 

• Excellent communication skills for dealing with city officials, stakeholders, and staff 

• Stay informed of relevant legal and regulatory changes in the law andanticipatepossible impactson theCity. 

• Fosterandmaintaina collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity 

• Participatein external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department 

• Develop andupdatea rigorous training program for new attorneys 

• Qualified candidates must be hard-working, organized, attend to detail, and have an eager, helpful attitude 

• Knowledge of City procedures is a plus 

• Excellent time management skills 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced setting 

• Ability to work productively individually and collaboratively 

Qualifications

• The candidate will have at least9years of experience inlegal counsel and advice and/or compliance work. 

• At least fouryears'supervisory and management experience on major projects, including proven capabilities and communication skills to successfully interact with clients and attorneys. 

• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be amember in good standingof the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department. 

Work Location & Onsite Expectations 

This position is designated as fully onsite, and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.  

Who Thrives in This Role 

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $144,482 to $170,637 - Commensurate with education and experience 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Andrew Richman, Chair, Compliance and Legislation Group ([email protected]). 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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