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 applicants for a full‑time Assistant Attorney General position in the Criminal Appeals Unit. This Unit plays a vital role in Maryland's criminal justice system, handling all aspects of direct appeals, applications for leave to appeal, and postconviction appellate litigation arising from Maryland's state trial courts. Unit attorneys brief and argue cases before Maryland's appellate courts in complex and consequential matters involving constitutional criminal procedure, statutory interpretation, evidentiary issues, and federal habeas corpus. Attorneys also support prosecutors across Maryland's 24 State's Attorneys' Offices by providing guidance and research on emerging legal issues in active criminal cases.
The Criminal Appeals Unit is a collaborative, high‑performing team of approximately 22 Assistant Attorneys General and 5 administrative staff, led by the Principal Deputy Solicitor General. The Unit is part of the Office of the Solicitor General and reports to the Solicitor General, who in turn reports directly to the Attorney General. Within the Unit, two Deputy Solicitors General and two Senior Assistant Attorneys General report to the Principal Deputy and each supervise teams of 3 to 5 Assistant Attorneys General. The attorney selected for this position will work under the direct supervision of one of these Deputy Solicitors General or Senior Assistant Attorneys General and will be part of a supportive environment that values strong advocacy, thoughtful analysis, and professional development.
Classification: The classification for this position will depend on the candidate's years of post-bar legal experience.
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Assistant Attorney General I requires 0-3 years of experience and has a salary range of $93,138-$ $146,883. Initial salary offers typically do not exceed $ $133,035.
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Assistant Attorney General II requires 4 years of experience and has a salary range of $99,442-$ $156,822. Initial salary offers typically do not exceed $ $142,037.
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Assistant Attorney General III requires 5 years of experience and has a salary range of $106,087-$ $167,304. Initial salary offers typically do not exceed $151,531.
Experience: Candidates with five years or more of legal experience are preferred, but candidates with less experience will be considered. At least one year of legal experience is required. The successful candidate will demonstrate superior legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, and must be able to manage a demanding caseload with multiple monthly filing deadlines. Experience in appellate litigation and criminal trial practice is highly valued. Additional relevant experience may include judicial clerkships, civil litigation, or public policy work. Candidates must possess current or pending admission to the Maryland Bar or have the present ability to be admitted without examination or through transfer of qualifying exam scores (if the successful candidate is not admitted to the Maryland Bar at the time of application, hiring will be contingent on admission).
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, two writing samples of a combined 10-20 pages (may be excerpts from longer written work), 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.
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.
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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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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, including paid MSBA membership.
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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.
