General Counsel

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 Board of Ethics is an independent body that administers and enforces the City’s ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying laws. The Board’s mission is carried out by a dedicated team of approximately ten staff members, including attorneys and compliance professionals. Board Staff carries out the day-to-day functions of the Board, subject to the Board’s oversight. Board Staff provides advice, training, and compliance assistance to City workers, candidates, lobbyists, businesses, and City residents. Board Staff investigates and prosecutes violations of the City’s campaign finance and lobbying laws, financial disclosure requirements, conflict of interest rules, political activity restrictions, and other ethics rules.

Job Description

The Board of Ethics is seeking a new General Counsel. A successful applicant must have at least 10 years of relevant experience and possess outstanding legal, administrative, and leadership skills. The General Counsel reports directly to the Board and is the Board’s primary advisor on the interpretation of the laws within its jurisdiction. The General Counsel drafts formal opinions, provides informal guidance, and reviews proposed regulations and legislation. The General Counsel also advises the Board on the scope of its authority and its obligations under the Home Rule Charter and Pennsylvania’s Open Meetings and Right to Know laws. The General Counsel supervises a staff of several attorneys and has significant interaction with members of the regulated community, including high ranking officials in other branches of government.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Drafting formal advisory opinions to be issued by the Board or General Counsel

Providing informal guidance to City officers and employees, campaigns, candidates, political parties, lobbyists, businesses, and others in the regulated community

Advising the Board on the scope of its authority and its obligations under the Home Rule Charter and Pennsylvania’s Open Meetings and Right to Know laws

Advising the Board on legal risks and any litigation to which the Board is a party

Supervising General Counsel Staff

Advising other Staff, including Enforcement Staff, on the application of the laws within the Board’s jurisdiction

Reviewing settlements and proposed judicial enforcement actions

Advising the Board and its Hearing Officer on the conduct of administrative enforcement proceedings

Developing and maintaining relationships with key members of the administrative and legislative branches of City government

Supervising the Board’s training and outreach programs

Developing Board publications such as guidance documents, regulations, and formal opinions

Preparing reports, presentations, and memoranda summarizing the activities of General Counsel staff, with an emphasis on data and metrics

Researching and analyzing complex legal issues

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Commitment to public service and government integrity

Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead other attorneys in the handling of complex and time sensitive matters

Desire to build legal skills and develop expertise in new areas of the law

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen, answer questions, explain complex legal requirements, and adapt style and content for diverse audiences

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues from other City offices

Ability to grasp new concepts quickly across multiple practice areas

Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas through both formal and informal written work product

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze complex issues and propose viable solutions

Excellent research skills, including proficiency in electronic legal databases and use of government agency websites to locate statutory, regulatory, and administrative materials

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

At least ten (10) years of relevant experience

Law degree from an accredited law school

Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar (or eligible for admission in October 2022)

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, contact info of 3 professional references; possible additional materials if requested.

Salary: $140,000

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 [email protected].