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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Assistant Counsel
    Department of Environmental Protection
    Office of Chief Counsel (Meadville) 

     

    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 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:

    DEP’s Northwest Region is responsible for overseeing and enforcing state and federal environmental laws across northwestern Pennsylvania. This office plays a key role in protecting the Commonwealth’s air, water, and land through the administration of a wide range of environmental programs.

    Attorneys in this office provide both counseling and litigation support across programs such as Clean Water, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Oil & Gas. The work includes drafting, negotiating, and litigating enforcement actions related to violations of environmental laws, as well as reviewing and defending permitting decisions.

    Attorneys regularly represent the Department in proceedings before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board and in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition, they advise regional program staff on legal issues related to program implementation and review responses to requests under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

    This position requires close collaboration with DEP leadership and technical staff, including engineers, geologists, chemists, and biologists. Successful candidates should be comfortable engaging with scientific and technical subject matter to provide effective legal counsel and to support litigation efforts, including the examination of both fact and expert witnesses.

    This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection while developing a broad and dynamic legal practice.

     

    Who We're Looking For:

    The successful candidate will bring strong legal fundamentals and sound professional judgment to a dynamic and collaborative environment. While a knowledge of environmental law and litigation experience are preferred, the following are a must:

    • Strong legal research, analytical, and reasoning skills
    • Excellent written and oral advocacy abilities
    • Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex and sensitive issues with creativity and sound professional judgment
    • Ability to manage a diverse and demanding caseload, both independently and collaboratively
    • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster positive working relationships with colleagues and clients
    • Ability to operate effectively within both a governmental organization and the broader legal community
    • High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential matters

    Qualifications

    • Must hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school (or graduate by May 2026); and
    • Must be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing, or plan to sit for the Pennsylvania or Universal Bar Exam by July 2026.

     

    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 May 1, 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.