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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Governor’s Office of General Counsel

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

     

    ​​The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks a licensed attorney to work as Assistant Counsel in the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Office of Chief Counsel, Unemployment Compensation (UC) Division. This position may be based in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, and will be classified as an Attorney 1 or 2 depending on experience. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote/in-office schedule of three days onsite at the discretion of the General Counsel.​

     

    What You’ll Do

    L&I is a large agency that handles a broad range of labor and employment issues, including UC matters. The individual hired for this position will join a collaborative, mission-driven team, which provides legal support to L&I’s UC program. This position will focus on providing legal support, representation, and advice to several client program areas, including the Office of UC Benefits Policy, the Office of UC Service Centers, and the Office of UC Tax Services. Duties for this position will include representing L&I in administrative tribunals, trial courts, and appellate courts. Specifically, UC Division attorneys handle UC tax assessment/rate appeals and UC benefits appeals. These attorneys also participate in UC tax and benefits collection matters, which include negotiations with employers, lien executions, bankruptcy proceedings, civil proceedings, and prosecutions for the willful failure to remit UC taxes or the fraudulent receipt of UC benefits.  UC Division attorneys also draft and review legislation, regulations, policies, and contracts and provide related legal advice.     

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    The ideal candidate exercises sound independent judgment, communicates effectively both orally and in writing, and thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Success in this role requires strong analytical, research, and writing abilities, attention to detail, efficiency, and the ability to build productive relationships with clients and colleagues.

    Prior government or nonprofit legal experience is preferred but not required. Experience with bankruptcy matters is also preferred, though not a prerequisite. Familiarity with Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law is not required. We welcome candidates who have strong litigation skills, a genuine interest in learning this area of law, and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality public service.

     

    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 October 9, 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.