Governor's Office of General Counsel

Attorney Vacancy

Governor's Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel
 Department of Transportation, Office of Chief Counsel

 

Are you an attorney seeking more predictable hours, a better work/life balance, and freedom from billable hour requirements? Consider joining the legal team at PennDOT’s Office of Chief Counsel (PennDOT-OCC), part of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). This role—offered at the Attorney 1, 2, or 3 level based on experience—is a great opportunity to start or continue a legal career with the Commonwealth. Based in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex, the position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week as determined by the General Counsel.

 

What You'll Do:

PennDOT’s Office of Chief Counsel has exciting opportunities for licensed attorneys to serve in the Transactions Division.  In the past year, the Transactions Division was responsible for drafting and processing over 7,000 contracts valued at almost $12 billion.  Transaction attorneys handle a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited to, autonomous and electric vehicle programs, aviation, shipping and public transit grants, intellectual property protection, information technology licenses, bid protests, and public-private partnerships.  Find out more about the many PennDOT programs and initiatives that are supported by Transaction attorneys at www.penndot.pa.gov

 

What We’re Looking For:

The successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated:

  • Experience in transactional matters, including the drafting, negotiating, and reviewing of contracts and procurement documents.  IT and software license experience preferred.   

  • A willingness to learn novel and complex areas of law and develop specialization in substantive practice areas.

  • Solid legal research, analysis, and reasoning capabilities.

We're looking for a sharp, organized attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving complex problems. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator—both in writing and in person—who’s just as comfortable leading a video call as they are engaging in a hallway conversation. You should bring keen analytical skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities with ease. Just as important, we're seeking someone with outstanding interpersonal skills—someone who can build trust, collaborate across teams, and foster strong, respectful relationships with a diverse group of clients and colleagues throughout the Commonwealth.

 

Why Join OGC?

Working as an attorney with the OGC offers a unique and fulfilling career opportunity where you can make a significant impact on the people of Pennsylvania.  Employees enjoy a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development.  This role not only allows you to contribute to the public good but also provides ample opportunities to hone your legal skills in a collaborative setting.  

In addition to meaningful work, the OGC offers: 

  • Competitive Benefits Package:  Top-tier health care options, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

  • Work-Life Balance:  Excel in your career while having the time to enjoy your personal life.  

  • Continuous Learning:  A supportive culture that fosters ongoing professional development and advancement.  

Joining our team means being part of a respected institution dedicated to legal excellence and public service. To learn more about OGC’s mission and what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ogc/ogc-careers-home.

 

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. 
  •  Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.  

To Apply:

Interested attorneys should send a cover letter setting forth their interest in this position, a resume, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages) not later than May 9, 2025, to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 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.