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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor's Office of General Counsel (Wilkes-Barre)

    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 Northeast Office in Wilkes-Barre. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1 or 2 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:

    DEP’s Northeast Region is responsible for the Commonwealth’s environmental oversight and administration of both state and federal environmental laws in northeastern Pennsylvania. Attorneys within this office provide counseling and litigation services for DEP’s environmental programs, including Clean Water, Air Quality, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, and Radiation Protection. DEP Northeast Region counsel draft, negotiate and litigate enforcement actions arising from violations of the Commonwealth’s environmental statutes, review and defend permitting actions, and counsel Northeast Regional clients on legal issues that arise as a part of program implementation. Trial and appellate litigation generally occurs before the PA Environmental Hearing Board and state or federal courts. Attorneys also participate in reviews of 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 and to conduct effective direct and cross examination of both lay and expert witnesses during litigation. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment; the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients is essential. 

     

    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. Preferred candidates will have at least some knowledge of environmental law and litigation. 

     

    Why Join OGC?

    At OGC, you’re not just practicing law — you’re shaping the future of Pennsylvania. We offer a career filled with purpose, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a difference. Here’s what you can expect:

    • 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 and select Careers with OGC  at https://www.ogc.pa.gov. 

     

    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 June 13, 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.