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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Assistant Counsel
    Department 0f Environmental Protection
    Office of Chief Counsel (Norristown) 

     

    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 Southeast Regional Office in Norristown. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1 or 2 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.  

     

    What You'll Do:

    At DEP’s Southeast Region, you’ll be on the front lines of protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and public health. Our team handles the full spectrum of environmental law across southeast Pennsylvania, from clean water and air quality to waste management and environmental cleanup. You won’t be siloed. One week you might be advising on a complex permitting issue, the next you’re building a case or arguing before the Environmental Hearing Board or in state or federal court.

    In this role, you will:

    • Advise DEP program staff on real-time legal issues tied to environmental regulation and policy
    • Draft and litigate enforcement actions involving violations of state environmental laws
    • Defend permitting decisions and navigate high-stakes regulatory challenges
    • Collaborate closely with scientists and technical experts - engineers, geologists, chemists, and biologists - to build strong cases and practical solutions
    • Handle litigation from start to finish, including direct and cross-examination of witnesses
    • Work on transparency issues, including responses under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law

    This is hands-on, high-impact work where you’ll develop legal skills quickly while shaping how environmental laws are applied in the real world.

     

    Who We're Looking For:

    We are looking for attorneys who are curious, motivated, and ready to take ownership of meaningful work early in their careers. Experience in environmental law or litigation is a plus but not required. What matters most is your willingness to learn, engage with technical subject matter, and grow into the role.

    You will thrive here if you:

    • Think critically and write clearly, with strong research and analytical skills
    • Communicate with confidence, whether in a courtroom, a meeting, or on the page
    • Approach complex problems with creativity, sound judgment, and professionalism
    • Are comfortable managing a diverse workload, both independently and as part of a team
    • Build strong relationships and work effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders 

     

    Qualifications

    • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school or expected May 2026 graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
    • Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar or will be sitting for the July 2026 bar examination.

     

    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:

    • Comprehensive Benefits: 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. 

     

    Apply Today

    Send your letter of interest, resume, and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) by April 17, 2026, to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17th Floor, 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.