Legal Counsel/Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4927700)
Apply
?
Legal Counsel/Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)
Salary
$75,678.00 - $114,915.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number
N-2025-24868
Department
Department of Community & Economic Development
Division
CE Off Open Rcds
Opening Date
05/05/2025
Closing Date
5/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
07120
Position Number
50484425
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A
Pay Group
ST09
Bureau / Division Code
00247006
Bureau / Division
Office of Open Records
Worksite Address
333 Market Street
Worksite Address
16th Floor
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
DCED HR Office
Contact Email
RA-DCHRACTIONS@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) is on the lookout for a skilled Attorney to undertake essential non-supervisory legal work, which may range from routine tasks to those of moderate complexity, under the OOR's jurisdiction. This role demands personal accountability for significant legal issues within the agency, allowing for independent functioning while still being guided by senior attorneys and executive staff. If you possess legal expertise and a commitment to public service, we encourage you to seize this exciting and fulfilling opportunity. Apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will adjudicate administrative appeals submitted under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). This role involves conducting thorough legal research and drafting documents related to moderately complex to complex legal matters that significantly affect the public's access to government records. You will engage with private citizens and agency representatives to address procedural questions, clarify the arguments of the involved parties, and build the factual record. Additionally, you will hold quasi-judicial hearings and perform in camera reviews of documents as needed. Your duties will also include assisting with legal inquiries from agencies, public officials, and citizens regarding the RTKL, providing opinions on the implications of proposed legislation and regulations, and participating in the OOR's mediation program. Furthermore, you will draft legal documents and represent the OOR in state appellate courts and courts of common pleas. A solid understanding of common law, state and federal laws related to administrative and regulatory functions, as well as knowledge of judicial procedures and evidence rules, is essential for this role.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 4 days a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $75,678 (before taxes).
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Two years of professional legal experience and graduation from an accredited school of law ;or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Post-Employment Requirements:
Applicants must be certified for admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and must maintain membership on a continuous basis during employment
Additional Requirements:
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
(Post-employment Requirement) Are you admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania?
Yes, you must submit a copy of your certificate
No, but I am licensed to practice in a state with reciprocity. You must submit your license number and expiration
No, but I have completed all preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. You must submit proof of completion of the preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
No
02
If you answered "Yes", please provide your certification number and expiration date.
03
Have you graduated from an accredited school of law? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
04
How many years of full-time professional legal experience do you possess?
2 years or more
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
05
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
06
Have you completed any post-graduate coursework in law? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
