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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Assistant Counsel
    Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Chief Counsel

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Central Office in Harrisburg. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 2, 3, or 4 Non-Supervisory depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week at the discretion of the General Counsel. 

     

    What You'll Do:

    This attorney will be responsible for providing transactional support to DEP’s environmental programs, including, Clean Water, Waterway and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, Abandoned Mine Reclamation, and Oil & Gas. The position is located in the General Law Division of DEP’s Central Office in Harrisburg. The attorneys in the General Law Division draft, negotiate and litigate contracts and grant agreements for the Department. Counsel also review responses generated by the programs for Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests. The work requires close coordination with DEP’s management and technical staff, including geologists, engineers, chemists and biologists, and applicants must be comfortable with learning aspects of these scientific disciplines as necessary to provide sound counseling service. 

     

    What We’re Looking For:

    The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization. Experience with the Commonwealth Procurement Code will be viewed favorably.

     

    Why Join OGC?

    Working as an attorney with the OGC offers a unique and fulfilling career opportunity where you can make a significant impact on the people of Pennsylvania.  Employees enjoy a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development.  This role not only allows you to contribute to the public good but also provides ample opportunities to hone your legal skills in a collaborative setting.  

    In addition to meaningful work, the OGC offers: 

    • Competitive Benefits Package:  Top-tier health care options, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

    • Work-Life Balance:  Excel in your career while having the time to enjoy your personal life.  

    • Continuous Learning:  A supportive culture that fosters ongoing professional development and advancement.  

    Joining our team means being part of a respected institution dedicated to legal excellence and public service. To learn more about OGC’s mission and what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ogc/ogc-careers-home.

     

    Qualifications:

    • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. 
    •  Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.  

    To Apply:

    Interested attorneys should send a cover letter setting forth their interest in this position, a resume, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages) not later than May 30, 2025, to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. 

    OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.