Governor's Office of General Counsel

Attorney Vacancy

Governor's Office of General Counsel
(Harrisburg or Philadelphia)

Assistant Counsel 
Department of Human Services, Office of Chief Counsel

 

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks an attorney to advise the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) with respect to general legal matters and litigation. The position can be based in Harrisburg or Philadelphia. It will be filled at the Attorney 3 or 4 level, depending on experience. The position is hybrid, requiring in-person presence at the office three days a week at the discretion of the General Counsel.  

DHS is one of the largest executive agencies in the Commonwealth with a total budget exceeding $50 billion.  DHS has more than 15,000 employees who administer several programs, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and directly operate facilities or license providers serving vulnerable populations.  

This position requires superior written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to foster trust and respect, including creating collaborative and responsive working relationships with colleagues and clients.

 

What You'll Do:

The PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel is seeking dynamic, licensed attorneys to join its Transactions Division—a team at This position represents a professionally rewarding opportunity for an experienced attorney admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. This attorney will handle litigation and trials before state and federal courts. The responsibilities of this position will include: the preparation of pleadings, motions, applications, and briefs.  In addition, the attorney will conduct discovery, and participate in hearings, arguments, and trials. This attorney works with senior level colleagues in offering legal assistance to all program areas at DHS. In addition to the foregoing, the successful respondent to this posting will assist senior level attorneys in advising DHS clients with respect to applicable state and federal laws, providing legal advice and representation to DHS in administrative hearings and appeals before hearing officers within DHS’ Bureau of Hearings and Appeals.  

 

What We’re Looking For:

This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and organization, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to foster trust and respect, including creating collaborative and responsive working relationships with colleagues, senior leadership, clients, and members of the public. Ten to twenty years of experience gained through a judicial clerkship, a law firm and/or other public service entity where focus was on litigation and trials is ideal. As is admission to Supreme Court of PA, U.S. District Courts for Eastern, Middle and Wester Districts of PA; and/or U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. 

 

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 August 1,  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.