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 an Assistant Attorney General to represent the Somerset County Department of Social Services (SCDSS). DHS is Maryland's primary social services agency, serving more than one million residents annually through its 24 local departments. DHS sets statewide policy, provides oversight, and supports local offices such as SCDSS, which delivers critical services including child welfare, adult protective services, and assistance for vulnerable individuals.
This position represents SCDSS in the circuit court in child welfare proceedings, including Child in Need of Assistance (CINA), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and Adult Guardianship cases. The position also occasionally represents SCDSS before the Office of Administrative Hearings in child abuse, neglect, and other hearings. Additionally, the position provides general agency advice and counsel to SCDSS in child welfare and adult services matters as well as responding to subpoena and records requests. The position coordinates with community partners such as judges and magistrates from Circuit Court, clerk's office and law enforcement personnel, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that child welfare and adult guardianship cases are litigated in a timely fashion as required by state and federal law. The core purpose of this role is to handle high-stakes, fast-paced court proceedings that protect vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect. If you are an experienced attorney seeking a mission-driven career where your advocacy directly safeguards children, preserves families, and supports your local community, apply today.
As part of a statewide OAG team representing local social services departments, this position works in close coordination with a Regional Supervisor and a state-level support team. While you will operate with a high degree of autonomy as the sole attorney managing the local county office, you will remain fully connected to the agency's broader resources. You are backed by a network of Maryland child welfare legal practitioners and assisted directly by a newly allocated paralegal position shared between Dorchester and Somerset counties.
If you are seeking a mission-driven career where your advocacy directly safeguards children, preserves families, and supports your local community, apply today!
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: The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience, including experience in child welfare law and litigation. The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with clients and external stakeholders is essential. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced legal environment, are also essential. Membership to the Maryland Bar or the ability to waive is required.
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 are strongly encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor with their online application.
Telework: This position is not eligible for telework. Note: A hybrid remote telework and in-office schedule option may be available after six months per applicable policies and procedures.
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.
