PA Department of Transportation - Assistant Counsel

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

(TRANSACTIONS DIVISION - HARRISBURG)

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Launch your legal career where your work helps shape the future of transportation in Pennsylvania. This role offers emerging attorneys the chance to gain broad, hands-on experience across a dynamic and evolving industry. This position is offered as an Attorney 1 or 2 within the Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Office of Chief Counsel (PennDOT-OCC) as overseen by and a part of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Salary is commensurate with experience. The workplace is based in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex and allows for a hybrid telework schedule at the discretion of the General Counsel.

What You Will Do:

PennDOT 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. 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, and public-private partnerships. This position also involves reviewing PennDOT’s Right-to-Know Law final response letters together with the responsive records and handling Right-to-Know Law appeals. Find out more about the many PennDOT programs and initiatives that are supported by Transaction attorneys at www.penndot.pa.gov

What We Are Looking For:

The successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated:

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

• Exceptional legal research, analysis, and reasoning capabilities.

Candidates for the higher level of entry will have demonstrated:

• Experience in transactional matters, including the drafting, negotiating, and reviewing of contracts and procurement documents.

The successful candidate will be organized, have excellent oral and written communications skills, including in-person and remote (e.g., phone, video conference) meetings, as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a diverse group of clients and colleagues, foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with internal Commonwealth clients are a must.

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:

• 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 https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select 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 this position, resume, and writing sample () not later than Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 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 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: $67,736.00 - $117,497.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harrisburg, PA 17120