Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50484425	Description Activated On: 4/30/2025 1:29:44 PM

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.

Provides responsible non-supervisory professional legal work, ranging from moderately difficult to complex, under the authority of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR). Work involves personal responsibility and accountability for difficult and important legal matters within the agency. Incumbent functions independently and work is subject to general supervision by higher level attorneys and the executive staff.

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.

Adjudicates administrative appeals filed pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL).

Performs intensive legal research and writing involving moderately complex to complex legal issues, which have a significant impact on the public’s right to access government records.

Confers with private citizens and agency representatives regarding administrative appeals, including to answer procedural inquiries, clarify the arguments presented by the parties and develop the factual record.

Conducts quasi-judicial hearings and in camera review of documents when necessary.

Assists with responding to legal-related inquiries from agencies, public officials or employees, and private citizens regarding the RTKL.

Renders opinions on the impact of proposed legislation, rules and regulations regarding the RTKL.

Performs related work as required, including, but not limited to, assisting with the OOR’s mediation program, responding to RTKL requests submitted to the OOR, drafting legal documents, and representing the OOR before state appellate courts and courts of common pleas.

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.

Independently research and analyze matters, prepare documents and determinations, and perform any other tasks assigned, subject to the review and approval of a supervising attorney/Deputy Chief Counsel and/or the executive staff.

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. Admitted to and in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar
2. Five years of professional legal experience and graduation from an accredited school of law; or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and training.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   License to practice law in Pennsylvania

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Knowledge of common law and state and federal laws regarding the administrative and regulatory functions of state government.
2.	Knowledge of rules of evidence, court rules and other judicial procedures.
3.	Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
4.	Ability to interpret, analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such materials in opinions, orders, and/or decisions.
5.	Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
6.	Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
7.	Manage, prioritize, and complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
8.	Use of computer with Microsoft Teams and Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro and LexisNexis.
9.
10.