Closing Date: 30th September, 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 a Principal Counsel to serve as the chief legal advisor to the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI), a cabinet‑level agency created in 2023 to expand national service opportunities for Marylanders. DSCI administers the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program under the SERVE Act, oversees AmeriCorps Maryland programs, and leads statewide efforts to strengthen communities through volunteerism.
DSCI's mission is to expand service and volunteerism statewide through partnerships with federal, State, local, and nonprofit organizations. This is a great opportunity for an attorney who wants to shape a growing agency, build strong legal structures from the ground up, and contribute directly to programs that strengthen communities across Maryland.
The Principal Counsel will provide legal guidance across DSCI's programs and operations, including grants, contracts, procurement, personnel and labor matters, compliance, ethics, privacy, and risk. The Principal Counsel will also build and maintain the agency's legal and compliance frameworks to support DSCI's growth and ensure alignment with State and federal requirements. Matters involving substantial risk or novel issues will be elevated to the Deputy Attorney General and OAG leadership. The Principal Counsel will report directly to the Deputy Attorney General and will supervise one Assistant Attorney General.
The Principal Counsel will advise on State and federal grant compliance (including AmeriCorps requirements); review and draft contracts; support procurement decisions; respond to audit and monitoring requests; assist with litigation relating to DSCI's programs; and guide the agency on the Public Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and matters involving commissions and councils. The Principal Counsel will also review legislative proposals and draft regulations, and will help address personnel matters involving employees, contractors, and program participants. The role may include overseeing limited litigation before administrative agencies or in the District Court.
The Principal Counsel will provide steady, effective leadership by supervising and developing attorney staff, offering clear direction, setting expectations, and following through. The role requires flexibility, sound judgment in hiring and personnel decisions, strong operational management, and the ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and productive team culture. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety in their work.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General VI
Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of legal experience and must be an active member in good standing of the Maryland Bar (eligible for admission by waiver). Strong experience in government contracts, grants administration, procurement, or regulatory compliance is essential. Familiarity with Maryland administrative law, the Public Information Act, and the Open Meetings Act is preferred. Experience advising on federal grant compliance such as AmeriCorps or other national service funding streams and experience with personnel and labor matters are valuable additions.
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.