Attorney 1

The Attorney 1 position with the Department of Community and Economic Development Office of Open Records offers a chance to begin your legal career in a supportive and engaging environment. This role allows you to work on real issues that help citizens understand their rights. It provides steady opportunities to grow your skills through research and communication. It is a meaningful way to build experience while contributing to open and accountable government.

This position supports the appeal process by researching legal issues, preparing written materials, and responding to questions related to the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act. As an Attorney 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Legal Research: Analyze statutes, court opinions, and other authorities to support appeal work
• Opinion Summaries: Prepare written summaries and memoranda related to legal issues and determinations
• Public Guidance: Respond to public inquiries about the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act
• Appeal Support: Consult with parties under supervision to address legal and technical questions
• Case Review: Research case histories to assist Appeals Officers with appeal decisions
• Team Assistance: Support higher-level attorneys with routine and assigned legal tasks

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 4 days per week. You will initially be required to report to the office 2 days per week during the in-office training period. 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; or
• Completion of all preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree. 

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Post Employment Requirement:

• 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.

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.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.