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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor's Office of General Counsel (Harrisburg)

    Assistant Counsel (Attorney 3 or 4)
    Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Chief Counsel

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks an Attorney to serve as the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s litigation coordinator with respect to administrative, appellate and federal litigation and also act as regulatory coordinator.  The position will be classified as either an Attorney 3 or 4 depending upon the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. The position is based in Harrisburg. The ideal candidate will have an interest in litigation and in developing and mentoring colleagues in the laws and processes applicable to PDE’s authority to review, investigate, and prosecute in all areas involving the school laws of Pennsylvania. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week.

     

    What You'll Do:

    The successful applicant will mentor and assist colleagues in all aspects of administrative litigation, including matters of substance and procedure. This will include managing litigation deadlines, coordinating case strategy and review of all pleadings for eventual review by the General Counsel’s and Attorney General’s offices. This attorney will maintain an independent caseload of administrative litigation and will handle subject area work as appropriate, based upon experience, including RTKL and general school law intersecting with basic and higher education. Administrative litigation of these types generally includes drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting legal research and presenting oral argument; coordinating and overseeing investigations; interviewing and preparing witnesses; and other facets of complete administrative case management. The attorney will also serve as an administrative hearing officer, and will handle other litigation, including appeals, before state and federal courts. This attorney will also act as liaison counsel to litigation being handled by the Office of Attorney General. This attorney will also coordinate the process of drafting regulations and shepherding the regulations through the approval process.

     

    What We’re Looking For:

    We are seeking a candidate with experience in the following areas: administrative litigation, regulations, and general school law. This position requires excellent written and oral communications skills, attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to foster trust and respect, including creating collaborative and responsive working relationships with colleagues, education professionals, clients, and other members of the public.  Three to five years of experience gained through a judicial clerkship, a law firm or other public service entity where focus was on litigation would be ideal.

     

    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 December 19, 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.