Legal Counsel/Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)

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!

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.

Salary

• $75,678 - $114,915/year

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.

• 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 Info/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.

How to Apply

Benefits

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits 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 visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.