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 (Law Clerk, Attorney 1, or Attorney 2)
    Department of Corrections
    Office of Chief Counsel – Mechanicsburg

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking two (2) licensed attorneys with a maximum of three years of experience with qualifying transactional, contract, and procurement knowledge to work in the Department of Corrections (DOC), Office of Chief Counsel, located in the DOC’s headquarters at 1920 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg, PA.  

    These positions will be classified as either a Law Clerk, an Attorney 1 or Attorney 2 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days onsite and two days telework).

     

    What You’ll Do

    The successful candidates will serve as legal counsel in the Legal Services Section, providing comprehensive legal support to the Department across a broad range of matters. The Section represents the Department in administrative and other adversarial proceedings, handling matters that range from routine to complex.

    Attorneys in this role analyze legal and policy issues, assess risk, and provide practical legal advice to agency leadership and staff on matters involving varying levels of complexity, sensitivity, and significance. This includes advising on a wide range of legal issues, including constitutional, statutory, and regulatory compliance; employment matters; contract disputes; intellectual property; and other issues affecting the Department's operations.

    The Legal Services Section is also responsible for negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and administering a variety of legal agreements, including contracts, settlement agreements, memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements, and other transactional documents involving both public and private entities. Attorneys review contracts for legal sufficiency and form, including service purchase agreements, software licensing agreements, and other commercial and governmental contracts, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to protect the Department's interests.

     

    Who We’re Looking For

    These positions call for an ability to:  

    • Build and maintain strong relationships and work effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.  

    • Provide agency officials with legal advice on a wide range of topics, including constitutional, statutory and regulatory rights and responsibilities, contract disputes, and intellectual property; conduct legal research effectively and prepare written legal opinions as assigned.  

    • Negotiate, draft, and process contracts, settlement agreements, memorandums of understanding, and interagency agreements with various private and governmental entities.    

    • Effectively advocate for the Department before administrative tribunals, including bid protests, contract controversy claims, and the Office of Open Records.    

    • Exercise sound professional judgement and strong interpersonal skills.  

    • Prioritize tasks and work proactively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.  

    • Craft clear, persuasive written and oral communications tailored to a variety of audiences, from agency leadership to arbitrators and administrative tribunals.

     

    Required Qualifications

    Applicants Must:

    • Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school (or graduate by December 2026)

    • Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing, have recently taken the Bar Exam in July of 2026, or plan to sit for the Pennsylvania or Universal Bar Exam in February 2027.

     

    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 16, 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.