Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00110825

Description Activated On:  2/11/2026 7:48:23 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 Serve as an Attorney by providing all necessary legal support to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as it carries out its non-discretionary investigative function and its discretionary prosecutorial function.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Provide legal representation to the Commission and perform moderately difficult to complex legal work, research, and support necessary to assist the Commission in fulfilling its statutory mandate to enforce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunity Act through investigation, prosecution, and education/training to the public, as follows:

1. Evaluates and reviews Hearing Examiner Recommended Opinions and communicates any deficiencies to the Hearing Examiner.

2. Performs an independent review of Hearing Examiner Orders to provide counsel and advice to the Chief Counsel, the Executive Director, and to the Commission.

3. Drafts recommendations to the Commission regarding cases.

4. Represents the Commission on appeals to the Commonwealth or Supreme Court in more important and difficult legal matters.

5. Provides legal support of a more complex nature to staff on all aspects of a discrimination case; provides legal opinions on issues and cases as requested.

6. Performs all legal research to enforce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Pennsylvania Fair Education Opportunity Act and its regulations.

7. Provides input into proposed regulations, guidelines, and internal procedures.

8. Acts as counsel for unemployment compensation matters and civil service matters, including representing the Commission before unemployment compensation referees, the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, and the State Civil Service Commission; Acts as counsel in employee-related appeals in the Commonwealth Court and the Supreme Court.

9. Assists with evaluating and conducting legal research on various issues involving Commission initiatives and special projects. Collects facts, reviews applicable laws and regulations, analyzes information, evaluates for merit, identifies fiscal and operational impacts, and provides recommendations.

10. Addresses miscellaneous non-routine issues that are forwarded to this office’s attention for review and comment by the Executive Director, Commission and Directors.

11. Assists with pending cases involving the Commission, advises the Commission regarding status, and recommends appropriate courses of action.

12. Renders legal advice both during the appellate process and after a decision has been rendered.

13. In cases where there is no legal precedent, assists in preparing new legal arguments and legal strategy in conjunction with the Commission, Chief Counsel, and the Executive Director.

14. Continuously attends seminars to keep abreast of the latest developments in discrimination law.

15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

An experienced Attorney 3 should carry out duties with minimal direct supervision which provides latitude in setting priorities, executing assignments, and fulfilling responsibilities. Guidance is provided through policies and directives established by the Chief Counsel. Ability to work on projects involving novel or complex issues with some supervision. Advice is sought or received on legal issues of unusual complexity, sensitivity, or importance.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

1. License to practice law in PA
2. Minimum of five years prosecutorial or litigation experience.
3. Proficient in the administrative practice and procedure.


Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Certificate of Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
 
2.   N/A
 
3.   N/A
 
4.  
 
5.  
 
6.  

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Draft legal documents including, but not limited to complaints, petitions, motion replies, legal memos, and briefs.
 2. Conduct online legal research and analyze case law.
 3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
 4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
 5. Utilize available litigation management software. operate standard office equipment.
 6. Travel as required.
 7. Operate standard office equipment.
 8.
 9.
 10.