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 experienced litigator to serve as a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Correctional Litigation Unit within the Civil Litigation division. The Civil Litigation division defends the State and its employees in both state and federal courts in the most significant civil cases the State confronts, while also taking strategic legal action on behalf of the State. Beyond litigation, the Civil Litigation Division also serves as a trusted resource - offering legal guidance, coordination, and support to other divisions within the OAG. The Civil Litigation Division consists of approximately 30 attorneys across several units, including the Federal Accountability Unit, the Contract Litigation Unit, the Tort Litigation Unit, and the Correctional Litigation Unit. If you're an attorney looking for meaningful, high-stakes work that makes a real difference, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of civil litigation in service of the public good.
The Correctional Litigation Unit plays a critical role in defending the State against federal lawsuits filed by current and former incarcerated individuals. This team handles complex litigation brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, addressing constitutional claims under the First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as violations of federal statutes like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Cases may also have ancillary State constitutional claims and common law torts, adding depth and complexity to the work. As an attorney on this team, you will take on substantive litigation responsibilities, representing the State in United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Maryland trial courts, as well as state and federal appellate courts. The duties will include all aspects of defense litigation, including independently handling cases and overseeing cases with more junior attorneys, taking and defending depositions, written discovery, drafting briefs and pleadings, and appearing in court for motions, hearings, and trials, to include serving as first chair on trial teams. There is substantial contact with the client agency and individual clients. The position requires broad knowledge of civil trial and pretrial processes and relevant civil litigation experience. The position also requires supervision and mentorship of the Correctional Litigation Unit's junior attorneys and staff. If you're seeking an opportunity to litigate important cases and defend the State in high stakes constitutional and statutory matters, we encourage you to apply!
Telework: Hybrid Work - Two in-office days weekly.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General IV
Experience: The ideal candidates will have at least six (6) years of legal experience along with exceptional analytical, research, and communication skills (written and verbal). We are looking for candidates with broad civil litigation experience and a strong grasp of civil trial and pretrial processes. Prior experience in correctional litigation or civil rights law and supervisory experience is preferred. Candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and able to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Membership in both the Maryland Bar and the Federal Bar (or the ability to waive in) 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. Please note that this job posting will come offline at 6:00 p.m. EST on the closing date.
Employment Benefits: Working for the Office of the Attorney General offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health and well‑being.
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Generous Leave:
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Annual Leave: 10-25 days per year based on service.
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Sick Leave: 15 days per year with unlimited carryover.
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Personal Leave: Up to 6 days per year.
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Paid Holidays: 12 state holidays.
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Paid Family Leave: Provides at least 12 weeks of paid leave for personal medical needs, family caregiving, and qualifying military-related reasons.
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Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
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Retirement Savings: Defined‑benefit pension plan plus 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement options.
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Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible work schedules available for many roles.
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Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities.
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Additional Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, free mass transit (eligible areas), Employee Assistance Program, and access to SECU.
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.
