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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor's Office of General Counsel (Harrisburg)

    Assistant Counsel - Transactions Division
    Department of Transportation, Office of Chief Counsel

     

    Are you an attorney seeking greater predictability in your schedule and relief from the pressures of billable hours? If you're ready to bring your legal expertise to work that truly matters—without sacrificing work-life balance—this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

    Join a collaborative legal team at the forefront of innovation in Pennsylvania’s transportation sector. As an Attorney 1 or 2 with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Office of Chief Counsel (PennDOT-OCC), you’ll help shape and support some of the most advanced developments in transportation—all while enjoying the stability and benefits of public service work. This position is part of the Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) and is located in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex, with the option for a hybrid telework schedule—typically three days in office, subject to the discretion of the General Counsel.

    We’re looking for candidates who can work independently and take initiative, while also collaborating under the guidance of experienced legal leadership.

     

    What You'll Do:

    The PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel is seeking dynamic, licensed attorneys to join its Transactions Division—a team at the heart of Pennsylvania’s most forward-thinking infrastructure and mobility initiatives.

    In just the past year, our Transactions Division drafted and processed more than 7,000 contracts totaling nearly $12 billion, fueling major transportation projects across the Commonwealth.

    As a Transaction Attorney, you’ll engage with a wide range of legal issues that are anything but routine. Your portfolio may include:

    • Legal support for autonomous and electric vehicle programs
    • Oversight of aviation, shipping, and public transit grant agreements
    • Intellectual property and information technology licensing
    •  Bid protests and contract disputes
    •  Innovative public-private partnerships (P3s)

    Explore the breadth of PennDOT’s initiatives supported by our legal team at www.penndot.pa.gov, and discover where your legal skills can take you.

     

    What We’re Looking For:

    The successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated:

    • Experience in transactional matters, including the drafting, negotiating, and reviewing of contracts and procurement documents.  IT and software license experience preferred.  
    • A willingness to learn novel and complex areas of law and develop specialization in substantive practice areas.
    • Solid legal research, analysis, and reasoning capabilities.

    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 July 29,  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.