THE POSITION

Do you have a sharp legal mind paired with a passion for government accountability?  The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) is seeking an experienced and motivated Attorney 2 or Attorney 3 to take on the role of an Appeals Officer and join our mission-driven team.  Here, you will conduct a wide range of professional legal duties while ensuring that the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) remains a cornerstone of the Commonwealth.  If you thrive in an environment where your independent judgment is valued and your dedicated efforts make a genuine difference, this may be the position for you!

DESCRIPTION

As an Appeals Officer, you will be specifically responsible for adjudicating administrative appeals filed pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). Duties will include performing intensive legal research and writing involving complex legal issues which have a significant impact on the public’s right to access government records. You will confer with private citizens and agency representatives regarding administrative appeals, including answering procedural inquiries, clarifying the arguments presented, and developing factual records. Additionally, you will respond to legal-related inquiries from agencies, public officials or employees, and private citizens regarding the RTKL, as well as assess potential impacts of proposed legislation, rules, and regulations involving the RTKL.  A comprehensive working knowledge of common law and state and federal laws, regarding general administrative and regulatory functions of state government is essential for this position. 

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 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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $77,379.00 (Attorney 2 before taxes) or $88,235.00 (Attorney 3 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 Requirement:

• You 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.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• At least one year of professional experience in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity, including roles such as judicial clerk or administrative hearing officer.

How to Apply: 

Send a cover letter, resume, one (1) legal writing sample written by the applicant, and three (3) references to OORjobs@pa.gov.