Attorney Vacancy

Governor’s Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1 or 2) 
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review Division
Department of Labor and Industry
Office of Chief Counsel – Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks a licensed attorney to serve as an Assistant Counsel in the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review (UCBR) Legal Division of the Office of Chief Counsel for the Department of Labor & Industry. This 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 will be based in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh, and is eligible for a hybrid remote/in-office schedule of three days onsite at the discretion of the General Counsel.

What You’ll Do

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) enforces workplace laws, administers the unemployment compensation (UC) and workers' compensation systems, and oversees vocational rehabilitation, job training, and workforce development programs.

Within the UC system, L&I:

• Processes unemployment benefit claims. 

• Pays benefits to eligible individuals. 

• Collects employer taxes and overpayments. 

• Investigates and adjudicates disputed claims. 

• Issues benefit determinations. 

When a determination is appealed, a UC Referee conducts a hearing where both the employee and employer may present evidence. Appeals from referee decisions are decided by the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review (UCBR).

     About the Legal Division

The UCBR Legal Division consists of approximately 15 to 16 attorneys and paralegals, supported by administrative staff. The division provides legal advice, research, and representation to the UCBR Board members.

Attorneys review the record developed before the referee and draft decisions for Board consideration. This work requires attorneys to:

• Analyze statutes, regulations, and case law. 

• Make findings of fact and credibility determinations. 

• Apply legal principles to the facts. 

• Draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned decisions. 

After completing training, attorneys generally draft 20 to 30 decisions or orders each week, depending on classification.

     Appellate Practice

The Legal Division maintains an active appellate practice before Pennsylvania's appellate courts.

Attorneys:

• Defend UCBR decisions before the Commonwealth Court. 

• Prepare approximately 75 to 100 appellate briefs annually. 

• Participate in 2 to 4 oral arguments each year. 

• Handle an active motions practice, including motions that proceed to hearings or oral argument. 

• May also litigate matters before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania by preparing petitions, answers, and motions, and occasionally presenting oral argument. 

   

    Additional Responsibilities

Beyond case drafting and appellate litigation, attorneys may:

• Review and approve paralegal work. 

• Mentor and train newer attorneys. 

• Provide legal training to UC Referees. 

• Participate in regulatory review and amendments. 

• Respond to Right-to-Know Law and document requests. 

• Conduct and participate in moot courts. 

• Advise on federal unemployment assistance laws and related legal developments.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate for this position will have: 

• Relevant legal experience, with public interest or government experience strongly preferred; 

• Excellent legal research, reasoning, analytical, and writing skills; 

• Proficiency in persuasive brief writing; 

• Attentiveness to detail; 

• Good work habits, including speed and efficiency; 

• An ability to work independently and track and prioritize varying assignments so that deadlines are not missed; 

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills; and 

• Strong oral presentation skills. 

Knowledge of UC Law is not necessary provided that the candidate otherwise has a genuine interest in the work. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality, independent judgment, and thoughtfulness.

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.