Governor's Office of General Counsel
(Northeast Regional Office - Scranton)
Assistant Counsel
Department of Transportation, Office of Chief Counsel
Are you an attorney interested in more predictable hours to improve your work/life balance? Are you interested in relief from billable hour requirements? And most importantly, do you want to work on litigation and projects that directly impact the Commonwealth, its citizens, businesses, and environment? This position may be your answer and what better way than by joining a team that provides broad legal support for the newest advancements in the transportation industry. This position is offered as an Attorney 1 through Attorney 3 within the Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Office of Chief Counsel (PennDOT-OCC) as overseen by and a part of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Salary is commensurate with experience. The workplace is based in our Northeast Regional Office located in Scranton and allows for a hybrid telework schedule (three days in-office per week).
What You'll Do:
PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to serve as Assistant Counsel in our Northeast Regional Office.
This candidate will be responsible for handling a large driver licensing, motor vehicle and Eminent Domain caseload representing the Department in statutory appeal hearings and jury trials before the Courts of Common Pleas and eminent domain hearings before the Boards of Viewers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The candidate selected for this position will represent the Department in statutory appeals taken by motorists, registrants, auto dealerships, tag agencies and inspection stations regarding suspension actions imposed by the agency for violations of our Motor Vehicle Code, contract law and state-promulgated regulations. In the area of eminent domain, they will represent the Department in non-complex to moderately complex litigation matters involving the condemnation of private property for highway construction projects. The successful candidate will be required to work independently, but with the supervision of the Chief Counsel.
This position requires travel as required to attend meetings, hearings, court proceedings, and other assigned tasks. For more, please visit www.penndot.pa.gov
What We’re Looking For:
The successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated:
- solid legal research, analysis, and reasoning capabilities.
- an ability to identify and resolve problems creatively and with professional discretion.
- an willingness to handle a variety of legal matters, independently and as part of a team.
- a strong interest in and some experience with litigation.
- an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization.
The successful candidate will be organized, have excellent oral and written communications skills, including in-person and remote (e.g., phone, video conference) meetings, as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a diverse group of clients and colleagues, foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with internal Commonwealth clients are a must.
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 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 25, 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.