General Counsel

Deputy Attorney General III/IVThe Torts Litigation Section is responsible for defending Commonwealth agencies and their employees in personal injury and property damage actions in state courts around the Commonwealth. Most of these cases involve claims against PennDOT for death or serious bodily injury resulting from the allegedly defective design, construction, or maintenance of state highways.This position entails the performance of moderate to advanced legal activities of a difficult nature, including preparing for and putting on cases for trial and arbitration. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling their own case list including all aspects of litigation defense for the cases assigned and will work closely with attorneys and professionals within the Office of Attorney General and the defendant state agencies. Applicants should possess strong academic credentials, excellent written and oral communication skills, an interest in current legal and policy issues, and the organizational skills necessary to manage multiple cases simultaneously. The employee will report to a Senior Deputy Attorney General in their assigned office.Examples Of DutiesHandles entire litigation of assigned tort actions filed in the Courts of Common Pleas of Philadelphia and Bucks counties.Conducts legal research and prepares and files pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal filings required to defend Commonwealth agency clientsAttends and participates in oral arguments, hearings, and court conferencesExamines and analyzes documents in order to determine legal sufficiency and strategyWorks closely with state agency clients to review and interpret their regulations and policies to determine defense postureInterviews witnesses and involved partiesTravels to accident sites to review and evaluate liability and defense strategyPrepares and responds to discovery requests and attends and/or conducts depositionsWorks with liability and damage expert witnesses to secure expert reports and testimonyPrepares for, and participates as "first chair counsel " or "co-counsel" in, mediations, arbitrations, bench trials, and jury trialsPerforms other duties as requiredMinimum Experience and TrainingDeputy Attorney General III:Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal workDeputy Attorney General IV:Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal workHealth Benefits This position qualifies you for the Commonwealth's benefits package which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Medical coverage is available on your first day of employment! Prescription is also available on your first day, for an additional cost for the first 90 days of employment. Dental and vision are available after 90 days of employment as well. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are available to all employees, regardless of enrollment in our benefits. Paid Time Off OAG employees receive 12 paid holidays each calendar year, along with earning paid vacation time and sick leave each pay period. Retirement For new employees, the State Employees' Retirement System offers various options for enrollment into our retirement plans. You will receive specific information on these options shortly after you begin employment.