Philadelphia’s City Solicitor, Diana Cortes, will be leaving her position as the city’s chief legal officer, as announced by Mayor Jim Kenney’s office on Monday afternoon.
Mayor Kenney expressed his gratitude for Cortes’ leadership during her three-year tenure, acknowledging her invaluable counsel in navigating challenges such as the global pandemic, civil unrest, necessary reforms, and the proliferation of firearms in the city. He praised her successful advocacy on behalf of Philadelphia residents and her contribution to progress within the City and its Law Department.
Cortes will be joining the law firm of Morgan Lewis, with her departure scheduled for November 10. First Deputy City Solicitor Kristin Bray will step in as the interim City Solicitor following Cortes’ departure.
Mayor Kenney expressed confidence in Bray’s ability to continue the exceptional work of the City’s Law Department, recognizing her vital role in protecting residents’ rights and quality of life.
Cortes, who joined the city’s law department in 2018 and was named solicitor in 2020, reflected on her tenure and the unprecedented legal and policy issues faced by the city. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Morgan Lewis at the highest level, where she initially honed her legal skills.