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Compliance and Legislation Group

The Compliance and Legislation Group consists of the Compliance Unit, HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit, Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit, and Right-to-Know Unit.

Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit

Attorneys in the Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit enjoy researching and wrestling with legal and policy issues. The unit works with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and all agencies of the City in drafting, reviewing, and advising on legislation. That includes research regarding issues arising under the state and federal constitution, state preemption, and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.

Lawyers in the unit also issue numerous legal opinions—both formal and informal—advising City officials on all manner of legislative interpretation questions. The unit’s Right-to-Know Division advises all City departments regarding public records requests under the Right-to-Know Law and other public disclosure matters and represents the City in connection with appeals filed with the Commonwealth’s Office of Open Records.

Leadership

Lewis Rosman
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
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Name Job title Phone #
Zoey Chenitz, (she/her/hers) Senior Attorney
Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit
(215) 683-5021
Bryce Davis Legal Assistant
Appeals Unit
(215) 683-5007
Reynelle Staley, (she/her/hers) Senior Attorney
Legislation & Legal Counsel Unit
(215) 683-5013
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HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit

The HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit counsels all City departments and sub-units required to comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Breach Notification Rule and oversees and supports the City’s HIPAA privacy compliance program. The Unit also directs the Law Department’s Privacy Review Committee and advises and educates departments across the City about privacy laws and regulations.

Leadership

Elise Bruhl
Chief Deputy City Solicitor

Elise Bruhl joined the Law Department in 2001 and previously worked in the Law Department’s Affirmative Litigation and Appeals Units.  She was a law clerk for Judge Marvin Katz in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and for Judge Marjorie O. Rendell on the Third Circuit.  Over the years, she has taught law and literature, appellate advocacy, literary theory, and yoga, including stints at King’s College London, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Name Job title Phone #
Joseph Varallo Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit
(215) 683-5290
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Right-to-Know Unit

The Right-to-Know Unit advises more than 25 City departments, offices, boards, and commissions on legal issues concerning the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law as well as various other laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, and the release of public records. This includes coordinating with City stakeholders and subject matter experts, vendors, and others with interest in the release of public City records and information. Lawyers in the Unit represent the City on appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation.
The City of Philadelphia has adopted an Open Records Policy to comply with the Right to Know law. The Open Records Policy, which includes links to frequently requested items that are readily available and accessible online, at this site: phila.gov/open-records-policy.
Name Job title Phone #
ReVae Boyd Assistant City Solicitor
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 683-5057
Keilah Crawley, (she/her/hers) Senior Legal Assistant
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 686-6710
Gianna McDevitt Assistant City Solicitor
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 683-5119
Omar Rabady Deputy City Solicitor
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 683-5032
Shea Skinner, (he/him/his) Deputy City Solicitor
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 683-5078
Margot Smith, (she/her/hers) Deputy City Solicitor
Right-to-Know Unit
(215) 683-5527
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Compliance Unit

The Compliance Unit is a new unit within the Law Department’s growing Compliance and Legislation Group.  The Compliance Unit provides expertise on:

  • Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including licensure requirements.
  • Compliance with settlement agreements and consent orders.
  • Implementation of compliance efforts by City departments, such as reviewing policies, procedures, memoranda, and other written materials.
  • Collaborative projects with other Law Department units such as Child Welfare, Civil Rights, and Labor and Employment.
  • Risk mitigation strategies using data, case studies, after-action reviews, efficiency improvements, and processes using technology.
  • Support of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals of the Departments and ensure that DEI principles meet best practices following all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders.

The Unit provides counseling and representation on issues involving compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices to City departments and officials with a focus on the following high-need areas:

  • Children and Families: advising the Office of Children and Families (including the Department of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library) and the Office of Youth Ombudsperson.
  • Public Safety: advising the Managing Director’s Office, the Public Safety Director’s Office, the Department of Prisons, and the Police Department.
  • Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act: advising the Office of Homeless Services, the Streets Department, and other City departments and offices.

Leadership

Portrait of Cynthia Schneider
Cynthia Schneider
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
More +
Name Job title Phone #
Jenna Jankowski Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Public Safety Compliance
Compliance Unit
(215) 686-6774
Jessica Rodriguez, (she/her) Deputy City Solicitor - OCF Compliance
Compliance Unit
(215) 832-2110
Zachary Strassburger, (they/them) Deputy City Solicitor - ADA Compliance
Compliance Unit
(215) 683-2998
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