09/30/2010 07111

ATTORNEY 1, OGC

DEFINITION:

This is entry level professional legal work under the authority of the Office of General Counsel (OGC).

An employee in this job performs legal research confined to one or a few fields. Work initially involves spending much of the time learning the techniques and requirements of governmental legal practice in the assigned areas. As the employee becomes more experienced in the work, assigned legal tasks of a routine nature are completed with minimum supervision. An employee may be assigned legal tasks of a non-routine nature; however, such work is characterized by limited discretion and decision making, and is subject to close review by a higher level attorney. Supervision is received from a higher level attorney, who is ultimately responsible and accountable for the legal decisions resulting from the employee’s legal research.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Prepares summaries of laws and cases.

Assists higher level attorneys in examining and preparing legal documents, briefs, pleadings and opinions.

Assists in preparing cases for trial by assisting higher level attorneys in trial work.

Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in preparation of briefs, pleadings, indictments, and other legal papers in connection with suits, trials, and other proceedings.

Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities on points of law involved in the preparation of opinions.

Assists in the preparation of materials pertaining to proposed legislation.

Drafts proposed rules and regulations and reviews rules, regulations, and bulletins prepared by administrative officers for conformity to the law.

Under the supervision of higher level attorneys, confers with private citizens to advise them on state laws and regulations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the application of legal principles to individual cases or problems.

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting public administration.

Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of the preparation of legal documents and records.

Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and precedents.

Ability to analyze and interpret facts, evidence, and precedents.

Ability to write findings of fact and decisions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effective in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

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.

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.