Associate General Counsel jobs in Pennsylvania

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (Norristown)

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Southeast Regional Office in Norristown. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1, 2, or 3 Non-Supervisory depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week.

The DEP’s Southeast Region oversees environmental matters in southeast Pennsylvania. Attorneys here handle counseling and litigation for various environmental programs, including Clean Water, Safe Drinking Water, Waste Management, and more. They draft, negotiate, and litigate enforcement actions for violations of environmental laws, defend permitting actions, and advise regional clients on legal issues. Litigation typically occurs in front of the PA Environmental Hearing Board or state/federal courts. Attorneys also review responses to Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests and work closely with DEP’s technical staff to provide sound counseling service. This role requires familiarity with scientific disciplines to provide effective counsel and examination of witnesses during litigation.

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization. Preferred candidates will have significant knowledge of environmental law, as well as litigation experience. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients are a must. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment.

The Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides efficient, responsive legal services to the Commonwealth, the Governor, his cabinet members and more than 30 executive branch and independent agencies that conduct the business of the Commonwealth. This includes rendering legal advice and representation concerning matters and issues arising in connection with the operation of agencies like DEP. To learn more about OGC’s mission and get an inside look at what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at www.ogc.pa.gov/careers.

In addition to aforementioned legal experience, the candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA- accredited law school and be a member in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar. Interested applicants should send a cover letter setting forth interest in this position, resume, and writing sample no later than May 17, 2024, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17th Floor, 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,959.00 - $140,046.00 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):

• Do you currently reside in Pennsylvania?

License/Certification:

• PA Bar License (Required)

Work Location: In person