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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Deputy Chief Counsel (Attorney 4, Supervisory) 
    Labor and Employment Division
    Office of Administration
    Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg

    Are you an accomplished labor and employment attorney ready to advance into a meaningful leadership role?  Are you seeking more predictable hours, genuine work-life balance, and an opportunity to serve the public?  If so, consider joining the legal team at the Office of Administration (OA), Office of Chief Counsel (OCC).  

    As part of the Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC), OA, OCC is seeking a highly qualified and experienced attorney to serve as Deputy Chief Counsel for Labor & Employment. In this role, you will supervise a team of attorneys who provide legal support on a broad range of workplace matters at the agency and enterprise levels. You will also advise executive and agency leadership on complex and sensitive labor and employment issues, and you will play a critical role in reviewing and drafting the Commonwealth’s human resources (HR) policies.

     

    What You’ll Do

    OA OCC’s Labor & Employment Division serves as in-house counsel to OA on agency and enterprise HR matters.  As Deputy Chief Counsel, you will:   

    • Lead the Division by supervising and mentoring a team of attorneys, assigning and reviewing work, and ensuring the effective representation of the client. 

    • Represent OA and other Commonwealth agencies in labor and employment matters before various administrative tribunals, including the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, labor arbitrators, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the State Civil Service Commission, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in appellate matters before the Commonwealth Court.   

    • Advise on collective bargaining matters, employee investigations and discipline, salary and wage issues, employee benefits, medical and military leave issues, equal employment opportunity matters, talent acquisition, and administration of the Commonwealth’s merit system of employment. 

    • Draft and review enterprise HR policies and training materials. 

    • Analyze proposed legislation and assess its potential legal and operational impacts on the Commonwealth as an employer. 

    • Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda for the client, Executive Deputy Chief Counsel, and Chief Counsel.

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    The ideal candidate should have:  

    • Extensive experience advising clients on labor and employment matters, including providing counsel to senior leadership. 

    • Substantial experience representing clients in labor and employment matters before administrative agencies, labor arbitrators, and courts. 

    • Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising and mentoring attorneys. 

    • A strong work ethic, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, superb research and analytical abilities, and meticulous attention to detail. 

    • The ability to independently manage a diverse range of legal matters in a timely fashion, as well as the ability to engage effectively with clients and colleagues in a collaborative environment. 

    • Experience with employee benefits plans, including a working knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, is strongly preferred but not required.

     

    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 28, 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.