Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Legal Office – Harrisburg, PA

PA Department of Agriculture Legal Office

Office of Chief Counsel

The Legal Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, functionally known as the Office of Chief Counsel, serves as the primary legal advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture and the department’s various bureaus. Located within the Department of Agriculture headquarters on Cameron Street, opposite the Farm Show Complex, this office plays a pivotal role in drafting legislation, reviewing contracts, and ensuring the department’s compliance with state and federal laws. The attorneys here represent the department in administrative hearings and work closely with the Governor’s Office of General Counsel to advance the Commonwealth’s agricultural policy goals.

Regulatory Enforcement

A significant portion of the Legal Office’s workload involves the enforcement of regulatory statutes designed to protect public health and safety. This includes overseeing cases related to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, Food Safety and Laboratory Services, and the Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards. The legal team prepares and prosecutes administrative actions against entities that violate agricultural laws, such as restaurants failing health inspections, kennels operating in poor conditions, or amusement rides that fail safety certifications. They ensure that due process is followed while vigorously upholding standards that protect consumers and animals.

Administrative Dockets

The office manages the docketing of administrative appeals. When a business or individual wishes to contest a citation, license revocation, or fine issued by the Department of Agriculture, the legal proceedings are often coordinated through this office. While the attorneys represent the Department, the office also serves as a point of contact for procedural information regarding hearings. It is important to note that this office provides legal counsel to the government agency and cannot provide private legal advice to farmers or consumers.