09/30/2010 07151

ATTORNEY 4, NON-SUPERVISORY, OGC

DEFINITION:

This is highly responsible and difficult, non-supervisory, professional legal work under the authority of the Office of General Counsel (OGC).

An employee in this job must demonstrate mastery of one or more areas of the law, which are vital to the achievement of the agency's mission, and must regularly handle the most complex, difficult and novel legal issues for the agency. These legal problems are also characterized by their sensitivity, and require innovative and creative ways to resolve them. An employee in this job is recognized by the agency head, chief counsel, and the Governor's General Counsel as an advanced practitioner and expert in one or more areas of the law, and is consulted on the most difficult and challenging legal problems facing the agency. Work is performed with the utmost independence, and general supervision is received from the Chief Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Independently handles the most difficult, novel, and important legal matters for an agency in an area of the law, which is vital to the achievement of the agency's mission.

Develops and implements all phases of litigation strategy in complex and highly important cases.

Provides legal advice to the chief counsel, agency head, agency executives, and the General Counsel's Office on matters of utmost importance to the fulfillment of the agency's mission and the Governor's initiatives.

Advises the agency heads and agency executives regarding the legality of proposed changes to agency policy, and recommends changes to statutes, draft legislation, regulations, and proposed regulations to avoid legal problems.

Represents the agency in complex and important litigation before trial and appellate courts.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of common law and state and federal laws, in regard to general administrative and regulatory functions of state government.

Knowledge of judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence.

Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.

Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleading, and of effective techniques in the presentation of cases in court.

Ability to interpret, analyze, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material in clear and logical form, as briefs, opinions, orders, or decisions.

Ability to interpret and draft legal instruments and proposed legislation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effective in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Seven years of professional legal experience and graduation from an accredited school of law;

                                                                                                                                                 or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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.