Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - Assistant Counsel

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL (PHILADELPHIA)

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a licensed attorney with qualifying litigation and/or administrative law experience to work in the Department of Corrections, Office of Chief Counsel. This position provides legal support to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, whose mission is to provide those committed to our care with programming, education, and mental health services to reduce recidivism, while respecting victim rights and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure every reentrant has the opportunity to successfully reintegrate back into the community. This mid-level position will be based in the DOC’s sub-office in Philadelphia at 2630 North 13 Street and will report to the DOC’s headquarters in suburban Harrisburg. The position will be classified 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 at the discretion of the General Counsel).

What You Will Do:

The successful candidate will serve as counsel for the Parole Field Services Division in the Eastern Region. Counsel is primarily responsible for representing the agency in routine as well as complex and important litigation usually in state and federal courts and providing representation to Parole Field Services employees who are sued by inmates for acts arising within the scope of the employees’ performance of their job duties. Representation may occur in many forms, including but not limited to, investigations, trials, hearings, settlement negotiations, and oral arguments. Counsel will also be responsible for advising staff. That may include advising decision-makers on the revision and codification of existing statutes and evaluating and commenting on new and proposed legislation. It would include advising decision-makers on interpretation of laws and proper courses of legal action. The range of topics would include, but not be limited to, constitutional, statutory and regulatory rights and responsibilities, employment issues, contract disputes, and intellectual property. It may also include providing training to staff with regard to legal matters that relate to the agency’s operations and rendering opinions upon the legality and propriety of rules and regulations of the agency.

What We Are Looking For:

An attorney with at least two (2) years of experience in litigation matters and/or administrative law, including litigation before administrative tribunals, county courts, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, and the United States District Courts. The ideal candidate will have a familiarity with not only litigation but specifically Section 1983 litigation. Primarily, the person filing this position will be expected to represent the Parole Field Services Division and its employees in adversarial litigation.

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research experience, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) good interpersonal and communication skills; (3) an ability to identify and resolve problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a variety of legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an interest in and experience with litigation.

Why Join OGC?

At OGC, you’re not just practicing law—you’re shaping the future of Pennsylvania. We offer a career filled with purpose, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a difference. Here’s what you can expect:

• Comprehensive Benefits: 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 www.ogc.pa/careers.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.

Apply Today:

Interested attorneys should send a cover letter setting forth interest in the position, resume, and writing sample (no more than ten pages) not later than April 5, 2025 to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 N. 3 Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101.

OGC is an equal employment 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• PA Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19133

Salary : $75,000 - $110,000