Attorneys in the Legislation Unit enjoy researching and wrestling with sophisticated and cutting edge legal and policy issues. Mr. Feder, a 1987, summa cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and former law clerk to the Honorable Edward R. Becker, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, supervises the Unit and serves as Counsel to the Solicitor. The Unit works with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and all agencies of the City in drafting, reviewing and formulating legislation, including research regarding issues arising under the state or 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.