Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

    Assistant Counsel (Attorney 2 or 3 Non-Supervisory) 
    General Law Division
    Department of Environmental Protection
    Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s General Law Division in Harrisburg. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 2 or 3 Non-Supervisory depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week.

     

    What You’ll Do

    This attorney will serve as lead counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) Program, a major initiative supporting industrial decarbonization and emissions reductions, while also advising the Department on the administration of its various grant programs. 

    In addition, the attorney will provide legal counsel on a broad range of matters, including labor and employment disputes; procurements; contracts, transactional agreements, and bonds; bankruptcy and collections; and legal issues affecting the State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators, the State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers, and the Coordinating Committee on Professional Practices.

    The attorneys in this role draft, negotiate and litigate contracts and grant agreements for the Department.   They may participate in trial and appellate litigation, generally before the PA Board of Property and state or federal courts. Counsel also reviews responses generated by the programs for Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests. 

    The work requires close collaboration with the Bureau of Regulatory Counsel, DEP leadership, and technical professionals, including geologists, engineers, chemists, and biologists. Successful attorneys are comfortable developing a working understanding of scientific and technical concepts as needed to provide practical, well-reasoned legal advice.

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: 

    • Solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities

    • Superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy

    • An ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion

    • An ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team 

    • An ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization

     

    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.