Closing Date: 25th November, 2026
Description:
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 attorney to serve as Deputy Principal Counsel for Litigation with the Maryland Department of Labor (the Department). This leadership position is responsible for overseeing the Department's litigation portfolio and managing many of its most significant and high-profile legal matters. The Deputy Principal Counsel provides strategic direction and supervision for litigation across federal and state courts, including federal district and appellate courts, Maryland circuit courts, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
In this role, the Deputy Principal Counsel serves as a key advisor to the Principal Counsel and Department leadership, providing thoughtful legal analysis and strategic guidance on complex and often sensitive matters. The Deputy Principal Counsel helps manage the legal team's workflow, mentors and supports Assistant Attorneys General, and ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality legal services. The position requires excellent judgment, strong leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with agency leadership, clients, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
The Maryland Department of Labor is a multifaceted agency whose responsibilities impact millions of Marylanders. The Department includes divisions responsible for Unemployment Insurance, Family and Medical Leave Insurance, Labor and Industry, Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Financial Regulation, Occupational and Professional Licensing, and the Racing Commission. Attorneys assigned to the Department provide comprehensive legal counsel and litigation support to agency leadership and programmatic divisions on enforcement actions, disciplinary proceedings, defense litigation, administrative appeals, regulatory matters, and legislative initiatives.
The Deputy Principal Counsel also plays a critical role in the overall management and development of the legal team. Responsibilities include helping establish priorities, allocating resources, evaluating attorney performance, fostering professional growth and mentorship opportunities, and ensuring attorneys have the support necessary to meet litigation demands and organizational goals. The Deputy Principal Counsel may directly handle complex litigation matters and will assume responsibility for portions of the Principal Counsel's workload, or that of other attorneys, during periods of increased demand or staff absences.
This position offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished attorney to lead a talented legal team, shape litigation strategy for a major state agency, and contribute to matters of significant public importance affecting workers, employers, licensees, and consumers throughout Maryland.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General VI
Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least eight years of legal experience, and admission to the Maryland Bar or the ability to waive in immediately. Admission to the federal bar is preferred. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work independently while coordinating efforts with client representatives and other members of the legal team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and analytical thinking are required. Experience supervising or mentoring attorneys or staff is preferred, along with sound judgment, strong communication and litigation skills, and the ability to build effective relationships in a fast-moving, sophisticated environment.
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.
Telework: Hybrid Work – Two in-office days weekly.