Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)

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 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!

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 (before taxes).
• 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:

• 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:

• 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.