Closing Date: 29th 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 an experienced attorney to serve as a Senior Assistant Attorney General (AAG) with the Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman (OCO). The OCO is an independent agency that helps ensure fairness, safety, and accountability within Maryland's correctional and juvenile facilities. OCO receives and investigates concerns from incarcerated individuals, detained youth, and their families, working to resolve issues and improve conditions across the system.
Enabled by Maryland Code, State Government Article, 9-4001 through 9-4007, the OCO operates independently from the agencies it oversees and has the authority to review complaints, conduct inspections, and make recommendations to support transparency and effective operations.
As the sole Senior AAG for this client, you will serve as legal counsel to the OCO, advising on the full range of legal issues it encounters in overseeing Maryland's correctional and juvenile facilities. This is a standalone position rather than part of a larger legal team, though you will have access to OAG's broader resources and subject-matter attorneys when the work calls for it.
Primary responsibilities include preparing legal memoranda and providing oral legal advice regarding the scope of the OCO's statutory authority as it pertains to the agencies under its oversight, the public, and the communities it serves. The position drafts responses to Public Information Act requests and determines the applicability of statutory exemptions to requested records. When incidents occur at facilities within the OCO's jurisdiction, the position evaluates the circumstances and recommends whether an investigation, corrective action, or other agency response is warranted. Additional responsibilities include reviewing the OCO's public reports to ensure they remain within the scope of the agency's enabling statute and comply with applicable laws, as well as providing legal guidance during the development and review of agency policies, procedures, and regulations. On the transactional side, the position reviews procurement contracts for legal sufficiency and negotiates contractual terms as necessary. The position also represents the OCO in litigation, including matters in which the agency is defending its actions or pursuing legal claims.
This position requires an attorney who can work independently across several distinct areas of law: administrative law, public records law, contract negotiation, and civil litigation; often within the same week. Because the OCO handles sensitive and sometimes privileged investigative material, the role also calls for sound judgment about confidentiality and discretion.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General IV
Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least six years of legal experience and possess exceptional analytical, research, writing, and verbal communication skills. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, organized, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The selected candidate must be able to translate the authority and responsibilities of an independent oversight agency into practical and sound legal guidance; determine the applicability of public records exemptions; and thoroughly evaluate incident reports to make informed recommendations regarding appropriate next steps. The candidate should be comfortable reviewing reports, policies, and regulations for legal sufficiency; negotiating procurement contracts; and representing the agency in litigation, whether pursuing affirmative claims or defending the agency's interests.
Admission to the Maryland Bar, or eligibility for admission by waiver, is required.
This position requires sound judgment, assertiveness, and the ability to work effectively in challenging and high-pressure environments. The successful candidate should also demonstrate an awareness of organizational resources and priorities and contribute meaningfully to the effective operation of the division.
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.
Telework: Hybrid Work – two in-office days weekly.