Green Card City Attorney Jobs
City Attorney roles at municipalities and public agencies can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification, which requires the employer to document recruitment efforts before filing. Government legal departments sponsoring foreign attorneys must satisfy DOL prevailing-wage requirements and demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers were displaced.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany 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 Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, Property Assessment, Boards and Commissions Unit, Real Estate & Development Unit and Regulatory Law Unit. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities.
The Right-of-Way & Utilities Division provides counsel to the Streets and Sanitation Departments, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission, and represents these offices in all transactional and regulatory matters. The Division handles grant and reimbursement agreements, City Plan changes, transportation issues, ordinances, regulations, energy procurement, matters before the Public Utility Commission, and some matters before the Board of L&I Review and other City administrative boards. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, infrastructure and development projects, grants; provide advice and counseling on regulatory law compliance and enforcement; conduct preemption analyses and assist with the drafting of new regulations and policies.
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 judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.
Job Description Position Summary
The Right-of-Ways and Utilities Division is seeking an experienced licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill a Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney position. The attorney will provide counsel to City departments, commissioners, directors, and City Council on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters for the purpose of furthering the City’s operations. The attorney in this position also provides counsel on the application of Federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to contract terms, contract structure, public safety, transportation and utility law, and other day-to-day legal issues.
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.
- Advising and representing City departments, in particular the Streets Department, the Sanitation Division, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission.
- Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations affecting the work of the client Departments, including but not limited to the Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, and federal, state and local regulations.
- Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to the Division’s work.
- Advising the client Departments on new legislation and proposed regulations.
- Drafting regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts and agreements, including professional services; contracts, grant agreements, public works contracts, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements and memoranda of understanding.
- Participating in meetings with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and the Streets Department.
- Interfacing with other City departments, including Water, Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
- Representing the City in administrative board hearings and, together with the Litigation Group, in other litigation matters involving the client Departments.
- Keeping abreast of changes to the City’s form contract and solicitation documents.
- Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.
- Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
- Mentoring and supporting more junior attorneys.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas orally and in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to both law colleagues and clients.
- Ability to handle time-sensitive, complex negotiations with sophisticated opposing counsel.
- Ability to draft and negotiate nuanced language adhering to City legal and policy framework.
- Ability to prioritize and manage a substantial and complex workload of regulatory and transactional matters.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in an office that values all individuals and respects differences.
- Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
- Excellent judgment and critical thinking.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes of the City of Philadelphia.
- Additional experience with government procurement contracting or government legislative and regulatory processes is preferred but not required.
Qualifications
Deputy City Solicitor candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should include some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
Senior Attorney candidates must have nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a 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). 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 decisions in real time, 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: Deputy: $94,465 to $113,614; Senior: $118,325 to $143,237 - Commensurate with education and experience
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Regulatory Law Unit (nina.rivera@phila.gov).
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 faqpchr@phila.gov.
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 Corporate and Tax Group includes the Commercial Law Unit, Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, Property Assessment, Boards and Commissions Unit, Real Estate & Development Unit and Regulatory Law Unit. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in commercial, utility, transportation, environmental, development, regulatory and sustainability matters. The Unit has four divisions – Airport, Water, Environmental and Right-of-Way and Utilities.
The Right-of-Way & Utilities Division provides counsel to the Streets and Sanitation Departments, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission, and represents these offices in all transactional and regulatory matters. The Division handles grant and reimbursement agreements, City Plan changes, transportation issues, ordinances, regulations, energy procurement, matters before the Public Utility Commission, and some matters before the Board of L&I Review and other City administrative boards. Attorneys manage a diverse set of transactional matters including complex commercial transactions, professional services contracts, infrastructure and development projects, grants; provide advice and counseling on regulatory law compliance and enforcement; conduct preemption analyses and assist with the drafting of new regulations and policies.
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 judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.
Job Description Position Summary
The Right-of-Ways and Utilities Division is seeking an experienced licensed Pennsylvania attorney to fill a Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney position. The attorney will provide counsel to City departments, commissioners, directors, and City Council on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters for the purpose of furthering the City’s operations. The attorney in this position also provides counsel on the application of Federal, Pennsylvania and City laws and regulations related to contract terms, contract structure, public safety, transportation and utility law, and other day-to-day legal issues.
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.
- Advising and representing City departments, in particular the Streets Department, the Sanitation Division, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Municipal Energy Office, the Art Commission, and the Gas Commission.
- Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations affecting the work of the client Departments, including but not limited to the Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, and federal, state and local regulations.
- Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to the Division’s work.
- Advising the client Departments on new legislation and proposed regulations.
- Drafting regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts and agreements, including professional services; contracts, grant agreements, public works contracts, public-private partnership agreements, development agreements and memoranda of understanding.
- Participating in meetings with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and the Streets Department.
- Interfacing with other City departments, including Water, Risk, Tax, Finance, the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.
- Representing the City in administrative board hearings and, together with the Litigation Group, in other litigation matters involving the client Departments.
- Keeping abreast of changes to the City’s form contract and solicitation documents.
- Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law.
- Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
- Mentoring and supporting more junior attorneys.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas orally and in writing in a concise and diplomatic manner. Must be able to clearly present and explain complex legal matters to both law colleagues and clients.
- Ability to handle time-sensitive, complex negotiations with sophisticated opposing counsel.
- Ability to draft and negotiate nuanced language adhering to City legal and policy framework.
- Ability to prioritize and manage a substantial and complex workload of regulatory and transactional matters.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in an office that values all individuals and respects differences.
- Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
- Excellent judgment and critical thinking.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes of the City of Philadelphia.
- Additional experience with government procurement contracting or government legislative and regulatory processes is preferred but not required.
Qualifications
Deputy City Solicitor candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should include some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
Senior Attorney candidates must have nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a 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). 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 decisions in real time, 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: Deputy: $94,465 to $113,614; Senior: $118,325 to $143,237 - Commensurate with education and experience
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nina Rivera, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Regulatory Law Unit (nina.rivera@phila.gov).
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 faqpchr@phila.gov.
See all Green Card City Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card City Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a City Attorney
Verify your bar admission covers PERM eligibility
PERM requires that your credentials meet the job's minimum requirements at the time you accepted the offer, not at filing. Confirm your foreign law degree and any U.S. bar admission satisfy the posted position requirements before the employer begins recruitment.
Target municipal employers with prior EB sponsorship history
Public-sector legal departments that have sponsored before understand the PERM recruitment process and internal approvals required. Use Migrate Mate to filter City Attorney openings at agencies with active green card sponsorship history, saving you from employers unfamiliar with the process.
Request a prevailing-wage determination early
DOL must certify the prevailing wage before PERM recruitment begins. Check the OFLC Wage Search for the Legal Occupations category in your target jurisdiction so you can negotiate a compliant offer and avoid delays caused by a wage underpayment finding.
Understand how EB-2 versus EB-3 affects your priority date
City Attorney roles typically require a J.D., qualifying for EB-2 advanced-degree classification. Filing under EB-2 can shorten your wait for most countries of birth, but confirm which category your employer plans to file under before accepting an offer.
Document specialized practice areas during PERM recruitment
Municipal legal roles often require niche expertise such as land use, public finance, or labor relations. PERM job descriptions that reference your specific specialization narrow the U.S. worker pool legitimately and strengthen the employer's recruitment documentation submitted to DOL.
Prepare for the I-140 and adjustment of status timeline
After PERM certification, your employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS. You can concurrently file I-485 for adjustment of status once a visa number is available. For most countries of birth at the EB-3 level, visa numbers are current, reducing total wait time significantly.
Green Card City Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a city or municipal government sponsor a foreign attorney for a green card?
Yes. Municipal governments and public agencies can sponsor foreign professionals through the PERM labor certification process, followed by an I-140 petition filed with USCIS. The employer must conduct DOL-prescribed recruitment, document that no qualified U.S. workers applied, and pay at least the prevailing wage for the City Attorney role in that jurisdiction.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for City Attorney roles?
Green card sponsorship through PERM leads to permanent residency, not temporary status. Unlike the H-1B visa, EB-2 and EB-3 categories have no annual lottery and no hard two- or three-year status limit. PERM takes longer to initiate, often 12 to 24 months from recruitment to I-140 approval, but the outcome is lawful permanent residence rather than a renewable nonimmigrant visa.
What O*NET classification applies to City Attorney positions for PERM purposes?
City Attorney roles typically fall under the O*NET classification for Lawyers, which is designated as a Job Zone 5 specialty occupation requiring an advanced degree. The specific SOC code your employer uses on the PERM application affects the prevailing-wage level DOL assigns, so confirming the correct classification before filing is important for wage compliance.
Where can I find City Attorney jobs that offer green card sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lets you search specifically for City Attorney and public-sector legal roles where employers have green card sponsorship history. This filters out postings from agencies that haven't gone through PERM before, so you spend time only on opportunities where the sponsorship infrastructure already exists.
Does the PERM process require a City Attorney to have already passed a U.S. bar exam?
It depends on the job requirements the employer posts. If the position requires admission to the relevant state bar, you must meet that requirement at the time the job offer was made. Some municipalities post City Attorney roles requiring only a J.D. and eligibility for admission, which can accommodate foreign-trained lawyers still completing bar licensing steps.