| Location | Annapolis, MD |
Description
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the State’s legal business, acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies, various boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. The OAG also protects the public by civil enforcement of antitrust, civil rights, consumer protection, and securities laws and regulations and by the prosecution of organized crime, Medicaid fraud, environmental crimes, insurance fraud, state tax evasion, and other statutorily assigned matters. As Maryland’s 47th Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown leads the Office with a critical focus on equity, justice, and fairness.
The OAG is seeking an exceptional attorney to serve as Principal Counsel to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) and the Governor’s Office for Children (GOC). This role offers the chance to become the primary legal advisor for two dynamic and highly visible agencies whose work touches communities across Maryland. The Principal Counsel will engage in complex and meaningful legal challenges every day, from helping to shape public safety initiatives and victim services programs to supporting statewide efforts focused on child poverty, family well‑being, and long‑term outcomes for Maryland families. If you are eager to make a direct, measurable impact on public policy, community safety, and the lives of children and families, this position provides a uniquely influential platform to do so.
In this role, the Principal Counsel leads all legal matters for both agencies, partnering closely with executive‑level leadership to navigate emerging issues and drive solutions. The work is intellectually rich and varied: drafting and negotiating contracts; shaping procurement strategy; developing grant compliance frameworks; interpreting state and federal law; reviewing legislation; crafting regulations; guiding boards and commissions; and advising on personnel matters. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring legal sufficiency and compliance for major statewide grant programs, including federal criminal justice and victim services funds and GOC’s ENOUGH Grant Program. You will also support litigation‑related matters, audit responses, and high‑profile requests involving MPIA and the Open Meetings Act. This is an ideal position for an attorney who thrives on variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to consistently tackle matters of consequence.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General V
Experience: The ideal candidate brings 10 years of legal experience and strong understanding of procurement, grants, employment law, regulatory interpretation, and legislative analysis. More importantly, they bring sound judgment and the ability to produce timely, clear, well‑reasoned legal work that supports fast‑moving agencies with significant public‑facing responsibilities. This role demands a thoughtful communicator who can translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance that empowers leaders to act confidently and strategically. Maryland Bar membership, or the eligibility to waive in immediately, is required.
Pro Bono Commitment: The Office of the Attorney General expects its attorneys to demonstrate a sustained commitment to pro bono service. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of meaningful pro bono engagement or a sincere interest in pro bono work as a professional obligation. Once hired, Assistant Attorneys General are expected to fulfill that commitment throughout their employment with the Office through active participation in OAG’s Stephen H. Sachs Pro Bono Program or other qualified opportunities. The OAG supports attorneys in meeting the goal set by the Maryland Supreme Court, MD Atty Rules § 19-306.1(b), by allowing up to 50 hours work-time to be used for approved pro bono activities.
Submission: Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor.
Telework: Hybrid Work – Two in-office days weekly.
Employment Benefits: Working for the Office of the Attorney General offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health and well‑being.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: The Office of the Attorney General views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving professional excellence and fostering and maintaining a culture where every employee can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the best pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We honor, respect, and celebrate all differences, both visible and invisible, and are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting individuals who have historically been underrepresented in the practice of law and professional careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The OAG is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.