About the job
Position Summary
The Water Division of the Regulatory Law Unit is actively seeking a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania to join our team as an Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor. In this pivotal role, attorneys will handle a variety of transactional matters, including intricate commercial transactions, professional services contracts, real estate dealings, infrastructure and development initiatives, wholesale contracts, and grant agreements. The position also involves providing expert counsel on environmental law compliance, supporting the Water Department during utility rate hearings before the Philadelphia Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Rate Board, defending the City in administrative appeals and hearings related to disputed water bills and violation notices, and assisting in drafting new regulations and policies.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Advising and representing the Water Department in supporting its water, wastewater, and stormwater utility operations.
Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating various contracts, including professional service agreements, grant agreements, easement/license agreements, stormwater management agreements, state/federal cost sharing agreements, and developer agreements.
Conducting research and providing guidance on environmental law matters, including:
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders under the Clean Water Act with PA DEP and US EPA.
Compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations governing drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous/solid waste, etc.
Monitoring relevant and emerging environmental regulations affecting Water Department operations, such as the Lead & Copper rule and PFAS-related regulations.
Managing a significant caseload of administrative appeals before the Tax Review Board and the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review.
Overseeing administrative and civil actions to enforce Water Department regulations against property owners, developers, plumbers, and customers for violations of the Philadelphia Code.
Participating in regular stakeholder meetings and providing advice to enhance public outreach to diverse customer groups.
Assisting the Law Department’s Litigation group on cases involving the Water Department.