Governor's Office of General Counsel

Attorney Vacancy

Governor’s Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1 or 2)
Department of Corrections, Office of Chief Counsel
Mechanicsburg/Harrisburg

 

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a licensed attorney with qualifying employment litigation and/or administrative law experience to work in the Department of Corrections, Office of Chief Counsel.  This position will be based in the DOC’s headquarters at 1920 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg, PA.  The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1 or Attorney 2 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days onsite and two days telework).

 

What You'll Do:

As counsel in the Employment Litigation Section, you’ll take a lead role in representing the Department across a wide range of employment matters. Our team appears before administrative tribunals such as the EEOC and PHRC, labor arbitrators, the Civil Service Commission, and in state and federal courts.

In this role, you’ll manage cases from start to finish. That includes developing litigation strategy, conducting legal research, drafting position statements, pleadings, briefs, and motions, and delivering clear, persuasive written and oral advocacy. You’ll also interview and prepare witnesses and handle all aspects of case management with precision and professionalism.

Beyond litigation, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to Department leadership and staff on employment and personnel matters. You’ll provide practical, legally sound guidance on existing laws and regulations, proposed legislation, and policy considerations, helping decision-makers navigate complex issues and take appropriate, defensible action.

 

Who We're Looking For:

We’re seeking a candidate who can:

  • Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
  • Advocate effectively on behalf of the Department before administrative tribunals, the Civil Service Commission, labor arbitrators, and state and federal courts.
  • Exercise sound professional judgment and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills in complex, high-stakes situations.
  • Manage competing priorities and work proactively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Deliver clear, concise, and persuasive written and oral communications tailored to a range of audiences, from agency leadership to arbitrators and administrative bodies.

 

Qualifications

  •  Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school (or graduate by May 2026); and
  • Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing, or plan to sit for the Pennsylvania or Universal Bar Exam by July 2026.
  • Experience in employment law, litigation or administrative law is a plus but not required.

 

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

Interested attorneys should send a cover letter setting forth interest in the position, resume, and writing sample (no more than ten pages) in one combined PDF no later than May 8, 2026 to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 N. 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.