PA Department of Transportation - Assistant Counsel

Governor’s Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel (Attorney 1 or 2)
Driver & Vehicle Services - Southwestern Division

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Office of Chief Counsel – Pittsburgh

Do you enjoy working on complex and emerging legal challenges while advising clients on matters of significant public importance? The Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an attorney to join a team that provides broad legal support for the newest advancements in the transportation industry. In addition to engaging and meaningful work, this position offers the opportunity for a more predictable schedule and the absence of billable-hour requirements.

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 OGC. Salary is commensurate with experience. The workplace is based in our Pittsburgh Office and allows for a hybrid telework schedule. The successful candidate will be required to work independently, but with supervision of the Chief Counsel.

What You’ll Do

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and refine a broad range of litigation skills while handling diverse and challenging legal matters on behalf of PennDOT. Responsibilities include representing the Department in license suspension appeals, inspection station appeals, eminent domain proceedings, and tort litigation. The selected attorney will serve as counsel before the Courts of Common Pleas throughout Western Pennsylvania, represent PennDOT in proceedings before administrative tribunals and boards, and handle appellate advocacy before the Commonwealth Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This position offers substantial courtroom experience, motion practice, case management, and appellate litigation opportunities. Some travel within Western Pennsylvania is required.

Who We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong legal research, analytical, and reasoning skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to identify and resolve complex legal issues creatively and effectively.
• The ability to manage a diverse caseload independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• A strong interest in litigation and some litigation experience.
• The ability to work effectively within a governmental organization and interact professionally with courts, opposing counsel, clients, and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized and possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in person and through remote platforms such as telephone and video conferencing. Candidates should have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, exceptional attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Equally important are outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and Commonwealth clients from diverse backgrounds while fostering an atmosphere of trust, professionalism, and mutual respect.

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 June 19, 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: $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

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• PA Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15202

Salary : $67,736 - $117,497