Attorney 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Human Relations Commission is seeking an Attorney 1 to support civil rights enforcement across the Commonwealth. This entry-level role helps you develop courtroom and research skills while contributing to protecting people from discrimination and serving the public.

The position includes full-time hours, a standard 8:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule, and potential telework up to 2 days per week from an approved PA location.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and Bar admission.
• Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Admissibility requirements to practice before Pennsylvania courts.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute discrimination cases and handle appeals before state courts.
• Provide legal opinions and direction on discrimination matters to staff.
• Draft subpoenas, responses, and other legal documents for case actions.
• Review findings, agreements, and requests for hearings for accuracy and fairness.
• Conduct legal research on laws, regulations, and case developments to support enforcement.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide training or presentations on discrimination law.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar or eligibility

Job description

THE POSITION

The Attorney 1 role with the Human Relations Commission gives you the chance to support important civil rights work across the Commonwealth. This entry level position helps you build strong legal skills while making a real difference in protecting people from discrimination. You will gain valuable courtroom and research experience in a supportive environment. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your career and serve the public.

THE POSITION

The Attorney 1 role with the Human Relations Commission gives you the chance to support important civil rights work across the Commonwealth. This entry level position helps you build strong legal skills while making a real difference in protecting people from discrimination. You will gain valuable courtroom and research experience in a supportive environment. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your career and serve the public.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides legal support and representation to the Human Relations Commission as it enforces state laws on discrimination. As a Attorney 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Case Prosecution: Prepare and present discrimination cases and handle appeals before state courts
• Legal Guidance: Support staff by offering legal opinions and direction on discrimination matters
• Document Preparation: Draft subpoenas, responses, and legal documents needed for case actions
• Case Review: Examine findings, agreements, and requests for hearings to ensure accuracy and fairness
• Legal Research: Study laws, regulations, and case developments to support effective enforcement
• Community Outreach: Respond to public inquiries and provide training or presentations on discrimination law

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

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.

Additional Requirements

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• You must pass a background investigation.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.
• 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.