Attorney Vacancy

Governor's Office of General Counsel (Harrisburg)

Assistant Counsel - Attorney  2
Department of Community and Economic Development
Office of Chief Counsel

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a transactions-oriented attorney to join the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Office of Chief Counsel. This role places you at the legal center of Pennsylvania’s economic future.

While the position is anticipated to be filled at the Attorney 2 level, final classification and salary will reflect the depth of directly relevant experience.

Why This Role Matters:

You will join DCED at a defining moment: the implementation of Governor Shapiro’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development, the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive strategy in nearly two decades.

The Plan focuses on:

• Investing in economic growth to compete
• Making government work at the speed of business
• Expanding opportunity for all Pennsylvanians
• Driving innovation
• Building resilient and vibrant regions

Priority industries include agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, and technology.

This is not routine transactional work. It is legal architecture that supports job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth across Pennsylvania.

What You'll Do:

As Assistant Counsel, you will support DCED’s contracting, procurement, and regulatory functions. Your work will directly enable high-impact economic development programs. Your responsibilities will include:

Contracts and Procurement

• Drafting and negotiating professional services agreements, interagency agreements, settlement agreements, and memoranda of understanding
• Ensuring proper execution and compliance of DCED contracts
• Developing standard grant formats for program personnel
• Conducting form and legality reviews of grants, program guidelines, and proposed legislation

Regulatory Practice

• Drafting proposed and final-form regulations
• Coordinating and responding to comments from Commonwealth agencies and the public
• Appearing at public hearings and before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission
• Monitoring regulations through final promulgation

You will independently manage simple to moderately complex matters, while collaborating with senior attorneys on more sophisticated issues.

Who We're Looking For:

The ideal candidate brings:

• At least 2 years of substantive experience in contracts, procurement, or related transactional matters
  • Experience may be gained in-house, in private practice, or in government
• Strong analytical judgment and the ability to clearly convey legal advice
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational discipline
• The interpersonal skills necessary to build collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school / or expected May 2026 graduation
• Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar / or participation in the February or July 2026 bar exam. 
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Why Join OGC?

At OGC, you are not simply reviewing contracts. You are helping shape the economic engine of the Commonwealth.

• Purpose-Driven Practice 
  • Support programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities statewide.
• Professional Growth 
  • Work alongside experienced government attorneys on complex, high-visibility initiatives.
• Stability with Impact -
  • Public service with real influence on policy, regulation, and economic development outcomes.
• Comprehensive Benefits
  • Competitive salary,  generous paid leave,  excellent health benefits, retirement plans

To learn more about OGC visit: https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select Careers with OGC.