Department of Education - Assistant Counsel

Governor’s Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1 or 2)
Educator Discipline Unit

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks an Attorney to advise the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) with respect to educator discipline matters and administrative practice and procedure. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1 or 2 depending upon the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. The position is based in Harrisburg.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in administrative litigation and in developing expertise in the laws and processes applicable to PDE’s authority to review, investigate, and prosecute complaints under the Educator Discipline Act. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week.

What You’ll Do

This position represents a professionally rewarding opportunity for an attorney recently admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. The successful applicant will assist senior level colleagues in all aspects of administrative litigation, including matters of substance and procedure. In addition, the assistant counsel will maintain their own caseload while assisting senior level attorneys in administrative proceedings involving educator discipline and reinstatement.

The work generally includes drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting legal research; coordinating and overseeing investigations; interviewing and preparing witnesses; and other facets of complete case management. The attorney may also serve as counsel for PDE in administrative hearings and appeals before hearing officers appointed by the Professional Standards and Practices Commission. Additionally, the attorney may assist with litigation before state appellate courts, including research, preparation of pleadings, motions, applications, and responses, discovery, briefing, hearings, and arguments.

Who We’re Looking For

This position requires excellent written and oral communications skills, attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to foster trust and respect, including creating collaborative and responsive working relationships with colleagues, education professionals, clients, and other members of the public.

One to three years of experience gained through a judicial clerkship, a law firm or other public service entity would be ideal but not required.

Required Qualifications

Applicants Must:

• Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing

Why Join OGC

At OGC, you are not simply reviewing contracts. You are helping shape the economic engine of the Commonwealth.

• Purpose-Driven Practice
• Support programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities statewide.
• Professional Growth
• Work alongside experienced government attorneys on complex, high-visibility initiatives.
• Stability with Impact
• Public service with real influence on policy, regulation, and economic development.
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Competitive salary
• Generous paid leave
• Excellent health benefits
• Retirement plans

To learn more about OGC visit: https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select Careers with OGC.

Apply Today

Submit the following in a single, combined PDF or Word document by August 7, 2026:

• Cover letter expressing interest in this specific position
• Resume
• Writing sample (10 page max)

Attn: Derek Riker
Deputy General Counsel
30 N. 3rd Street, Suite 200
Harrisburg, PA 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: $69,086.00 - $119,844.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• Pennsylvania Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harrisburg, PA 17120

Salary : $69,086 - $119,844