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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Chief Counsel
    Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
    Internal Candidates Only - Harrisburg 

     

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks an experienced Harrisburg based attorney to serve as Chief Counsel to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC). This supervisory level position is responsible for providing legal guidance and advice to the Commission’s leadership, board members and staff in support of PHMC’s mission of collecting, conserving and interpreting Pennsylvania’s historic heritage. 

    PHMC is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is compromised of the Pennsylvania State Archives, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Trails of History (historic sites and museums), the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, and the Bureau of Management Services. This opening is a rare opportunity for an experienced attorney to use their broad legal skills in support of a dynamic practice environment with unique subject matter. 

     

    What You’ll Do

    The successful candidate will handle a wide range of legal work supporting PHMC’s operations across the Commonwealth. This includes drafting, reviewing, and approving contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, property conveyances, and similar transactions. The role also involves conducting legal research and interpreting federal and state laws and regulations as they relate to PHMC’s programs, sites, assets, and staff.

    In addition, the candidate will advise and represent PHMC on employment matters, provide guidance on governance, ethics, and conflict of interest issues, and offer legal counsel on proposed legislation. The position also includes reviewing and preparing responses to Right-to-Know Law requests and representing PHMC in any related appeals.

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    Beyond these legal foundations, this position also requires an attorney with excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, paired with a high degree of professional discretion. Familiarity with how commissions operate, including governance structures, public meeting requirements, and decision-making processes, is highly desirable.

    As OGC’s sole legal representative to the Commission, this individual must be able to balance a wide variety of responsibilities, quickly identify and respond to issues, and recognize when additional legal support is needed.

     

    Required Qualifications

    Applicants must:

    • Hold a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
    • Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing
    • Possess a minimum of 10-years of professional legal experience 

     

    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.
    • 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.

    Apply Today

    Submit the following as  a single,combined PDF or Word document by May 22, 2026:

    • Cover letter expressing interest in this specific position
    •  Resume
    • Writing sample (10 page max)

    Email: ogchiring@pa.gov
    Attn: Derek Riker
    Deputy General Counsel
    30 N. 3rd Street, Suite 200
    Harrisburg, PA 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.