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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor's Office of General Counsel  - Meadville

    Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1, 2, or 3 NS)
    Office of Chief Counsel, Department of Environmental Protection

     

    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 Northwest Regional Office in Meadville. The position will be classified as either an Attorney, 1, 2, or 3 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:

    DEP’s Northwest Regional Office plays a vital role in safeguarding Pennsylvania’s natural resources by enforcing both state and federal environmental laws. As a member of our legal team, you’ll be at the heart of this mission—providing strategic legal counsel and litigation support across a wide range of environmental programs, including Clean Water, Safe Drinking Water, Air Quality, Waste Management, Oil & Gas, and more.

    Our attorneys are not just legal advisors—they are problem-solvers, negotiators, and courtroom advocates. You’ll draft and litigate enforcement actions, defend permitting decisions, and guide DEP staff through complex regulatory challenges. Your work will span trial and appellate litigation before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board and state and federal courts.

    This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with DEP’s scientists and technical experts—geologists, engineers, chemists, and biologists—translating complex scientific data into compelling legal arguments. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring transparency by reviewing responses to Right to Know Law requests.

    If you’re intellectually curious, passionate about environmental law, and eager to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to join a team where your legal skills will help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s environment.

     

    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 knowledge of environmental law, as well as litigation experience. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients are a must. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment.

     

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

     

    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 September 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.