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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1, 2, or 3) 
    Litigation & Permits Division or Project Delivery Division
    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
    Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg

    Are you an attorney looking for challenging litigation and meaningful legal work that directly impacts the Commonwealth, its citizens, businesses, and environment? Join a team at the forefront of the evolving transportation industry, where you will provide broad legal counsel on innovative and complex issues that help shape Pennsylvania's future.

    In addition to engaging, high-impact work, this position offers the benefits of public service, including a more predictable work schedule than many private practice environments and the freedom from billable hour requirements, allowing you to build a rewarding legal career while maintaining balance in your personal life.

    This position is offered as an Attorney 1, 2, or 3 within the Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Office of Chief Counsel (PennDOT-OCC) as overseen by and a part of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Salary is commensurate with experience. The workplace is based in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex and allows for a hybrid telework schedule. The successful candidate will be required to work independently, but with supervision of the Chief Counsel.

     

    What You’ll Do

    PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to serve as either an Assistant Counsel in the Litigation and Permits Division or the Project Delivery Division.  These Divisions handle a variety of legal matters primarily relating to project delivery, and litigation in other areas as required. Assignments will reflect PennDOT’s current needs and will primarily focus on litigation, transactional, and counseling work in the following areas of law: highway occupancy permits, highway beautification, utility relocations, highway/railroad grade crossing matters, real property interests, and right of way use.  

    Work may also include personnel litigation, collections litigation, processing third party subpoenas, environmental transactional and litigation work, eminent domain litigation, and other miscellaneous real property matters.  Attorneys in this position may litigate before administrative bodies (Public Utility Commission, Commonwealth hearing officers, the Board of Claims, and the Environmental Hearing Board), as well as state and federal trial and appellate courts.  With the appropriate supervision and guidance, once a case is assigned to you, you are responsible for all activities associated with the hearing/trial and subsequent appeals, if applicable.

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: 

    • Litigation experience that includes trial or hearings, motions practice, and appellate work. 

    • Solid legal research, analysis, and writing capabilities. 

    • Experience with drafting, negotiating, and reviewing agreements, ideally with a focus on deeds, easements, and other documentation of real property interests.  

    The successful candidate will be organized, have excellent oral and written communications skills, including in-person and remote (e.g., phone, video conference) meetings, as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 

    Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of clients and colleagues, foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with internal Commonwealth clients are a must.

     

    Required Qualifications

    Applicants Must:

    • Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school 

    • Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing

     

    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 August 14, 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.