Policy Counsel

This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-mid career professional to handle a diverse and challenging portfolio of cutting-edge legal issues impacting workers across the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks a licensed attorney to work as Policy Counsel in the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Office of Chief Counsel. This position may be based in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh. It will be classified as either an Attorney 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful candidate. An Attorney 1 is considered to have minimal legal experience and exposure to labor and employment law; an Attorney 2 is considered to have some legal experience and exposure to labor and employment law; and an Attorney 3 is considered to have significant litigation experience and a profound understanding of labor and employment issues. 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 enforcing worker protection laws, administering Commonwealth workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation systems, and managing Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. The individual hired for this newly created position would join a collaborative, mission-driven team focusing on federal response work as well as high-impact litigation and strategic enforcement initiatives.

Duties will include researching and drafting legal memoranda and briefs (including appellate briefs); analyzing and responding to federal developments including notices of proposed rulemakings, executive orders, and litigation arising under the Administrative Procedure Act; providing client counseling and briefing on federal and other high-profile issues; playing a leadership role in high-impact litigation and strategic enforcement projects; and liaising with inter- and intra-agency partners.

What We’re Looking For:

The successful applicant for this position should have the following: (1) a minimum of 3 to 6 years of legal experience, with public interest or government experience strongly preferred; (2) demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, worker rights issues; (3) strong legal writer with experience in brief writing, particularly appellate brief writing; (4) attentiveness to detail; (5)

ability to prioritize and be proactive in a deadline-drive, fast-paced office; (6) superior interpersonal and communication skills; and (7) strong oral presentation skills.

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 https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select Careers with OGC.

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), to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.

For more information on benefits, please utilize the following link:

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ogc/ogc-careers-home/advantages-of-ogc-employment