PA Department of Labor and Industry – Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry – Office of Chief Counsel

The Office of Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) is the primary legal division serving the department. Headquartered in the Labor and Industry Building at 651 Boas Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this office provides essential legal guidance and representation to the Secretary of Labor and Industry and the various bureaus under the department’s jurisdiction. The attorneys and support staff in this office play a pivotal role in enforcing the Commonwealth’s labor laws, ensuring that the rights of workers and employers are upheld. Their work encompasses a broad spectrum of legal areas, including workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, labor standards, and workplace safety regulations. They represent the department in state and federal courts, as well as in administrative hearings, defending the department’s decisions and interpreting complex legislative mandates.

Legal Functions and Responsibilities

• Litigation and Defense: Representing the Department in litigation involving unemployment compensation appeals, workers’ compensation claims, and labor law enforcement actions.
• Advisory Services: Providing legal opinions and advice to the L&I executive team on policy implementation, contract review, and regulatory compliance.
• Labor Law Enforcement: Supporting the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance in prosecuting violations of wage and hour laws, child labor laws, and prevailing wage acts.
• Regulatory Review: Drafting and reviewing proposed regulations to ensure they align with statutory authority and the Commonwealth’s administrative code.
• Administrative Hearings: Participating in hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board and the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.

Location and Building Access

The Office of Chief Counsel is located on the 7th floor of the Labor and Industry Building, a prominent government structure situated at the corner of 7th and Boas Streets, just north of the main Capitol Complex. As a secure state government facility, access is controlled. Visitors must enter through the main lobby and undergo security screening. This includes passing through metal detectors and having bags and briefcases x-rayed. Valid government-issued photo identification is required to obtain a visitor’s pass. Visitors should be prepared to state the nature of their business and the specific office they are visiting. The building is strictly a weapon-free zone, and items such as pocket knives, pepper spray, and firearms are prohibited.

Transit and Parking

The facility is well-integrated into Harrisburg’s transportation network. Public parking is available at on-street metered spots along Forster, Boas, and 7th Streets, though availability can be limited during business hours. The 7th Street Garage is located nearby for longer-term parking. For those using public transit, the building is serviced by Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus routes, with stops located directly adjacent to the building and along the Forster Street corridor. The Harrisburg Transportation Center (Amtrak/Greyhound) is approximately a 10-15 minute walk away.