Senior Attorney - Regulatory Law Unit - Water Division

About This Role

The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department's Water Division is seeking a Senior Attorney to provide legal services and representation to the City and Water Department in transactional, regulatory compliance, and litigation matters related to the city's water, sewer, and stormwater utility. The attorney will advise City officials, draft and negotiate agreements, handle environmental law matters, perform real estate transactions, and represent the Water Department in administrative hearings and rate proceedings. This role is crucial for ensuring the lawful and efficient operation of Philadelphia's water utility.

Responsibilities

• Advise City officials on legal matters arising in the operations and policies of the utility.
• Coordinate and facilitate on high profile projects with other City agencies.
• Draft and negotiate Water Department agreements including professional services, wholesale customer, grant, asset purchase, public-private partnership, and development agreements.
• Handle environmental law matters, including negotiation of Clean Water Act permits, enforcement of Pretreatment program, and advising on Safe Drinking Water Act, Lead and Copper Rule, and other environmental regulations.
• Perform real estate transactions, including property purchase, easement, license agreements, and condemnation matters.
• Represent the Water Department in administrative board hearings and appeals and provide support on other litigation matters.
• Assist the Water Department with responses to Right-to-Know Law requests.
• Represent the Water Department in water, sewer, and stormwater rate proceedings.
• Advise the Water Department on new legislation and proposed regulations.
• Draft regulations, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204).
• Nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of the unit.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia municipal laws, environmental laws, and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge/Experience with municipal owned utility business.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the Law Department.
• City of Philadelphia residency within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of the unit required.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge/Experience with legislative and regulatory processes.
• Knowledge/Experience with contracts, real estate, government procurement and complex commercial transactions.
• Knowledge/Experience with public utility law and utility rate making.

Benefits