Governor's Office of General Counsel

Attorney Vacancy

Governor's Office of General Counsel

Transactions Division - Harrisburg

Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1 or 2)
Office of Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

 

If you're seeking more predictable hours without stepping away from meaningful legal work, this opportunity could be the perfect fit. Offered as an Attorney 1 or 2, this position within the Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), is a tremendous opportunity to work on some of the most cutting-edge projects in the transportation industry. Salary is commensurate with experience. The workplace is based in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex and allows for a hybrid telework schedule of three days in-office at the discretion of the General Counsel.  

 

What You'll Do:

PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel has exciting opportunities for licensed attorneys to serve in the Transactions Division.  In the past year, the Transactions Division was responsible for drafting and processing over 7,000 contracts valued at almost $12 billion.  Transaction attorneys handle a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited to, autonomous and electric vehicle programs, aviation, shipping and public transit grants, intellectual property protection, information technology licenses, and public-private partnerships.  Find out more about the many PennDOT programs and initiatives that are supported by Transaction attorneys at www.penndot.pa.gov

 

What We’re Looking For:

The successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated:

  • A willingness to learn novel and complex areas of law and develop specialization in substantive practice areas.

  • Solid legal research, analysis, and reasoning capabilities.

Candidates for the higher levels of entry will have demonstrated:

  • Experience in transactional matters, including the drafting, negotiating, and reviewing of contracts and procurement documents.  IT and software license experience preferred.   

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?

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 26, 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.  

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, at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ogc/ogc-careers-home.html