Deputy Chief Counsel

The Deputy Chief Counsel serves as the second-in-command of the AOPC Legal Department. The core responsibilities include overseeing the three Legal Department Section Supervisors for litigation, IT, and leasing and procurement; managing the Legal Department staff located at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center; completing special projects as directed by the Court Administrator, the Deputy Court Administrator, and Chief Counsel; and performing the duties of Chief Counsel in their absence.

Job Duties

• Serves as the AOPC Legal Department's second-in-command and performs the Chief Counsel's duties in their absence, ensuring the department's legal services continuity for jurists and UJS personnel.
• Oversees the three Legal Department Section Supervisors, which includes reviewing their quarterly reports, interim consultations, and lending advice and support.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of important legal cases concerning the judiciary such as high-profile or high-risk cases and advocates for strategies that can help minimize potential liability. Travels to Philadelphia bi-weekly to coordinate with the Litigation Section of the Legal Department.
• Handles special projects at the direction of the Court Administrator, the Deputy Court Administrator, and the Chief Counsel, such as omnibus revisions to policies and procedures and creating and managing work groups to address systemic issues impacting the judicial system.
• Provides legal guidance to AOPC and UJS personnel, promoting lawful conduct and minimizing litigation exposure.
• Conducts onsite supervision of legal department staff located at the PJC. This onsite supervision involves job training, assisting with job-related tasks, and educating them on institutional protocols to help them complete assignments.
• Performs miscellaneous duties, including reviewing legislation to provide legal analysis for fiscal notes drafted by AOPC staff. Provides legal analysis regarding ethical inquiries related to staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved school of law.
• Admission to and in good standing before the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Six years of professional legal experience, which includes three years of professional supervisory experience.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory criminal background check required.
• Travel required.

Job Highlights

• Excellent benefits program, including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment.
• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.
• Salary increases; a student loan forgiveness plan; a free employee assistance program; and State retirement plans.
• Free parking.

Salary information

Commensurate with experience

Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at ([redacted] or [redacted].