Closing Date: 15th October, 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 and highly capable attorney to serve as a Senior Counsel for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Power Plant Research Program (PPRP).
DNR's PPRP functions to ensure Maryland's valuable natural resources are protected, and environmental and land use impacts are considered in the evaluation of electric infrastructure permitting. The incumbent will lead and supervise AAGs in advising PPRP in its review of energy generation and transmission projects throughout the state and represent PPRP before the Public Service Commission (PSC) and State courts. In addition, the chosen attorney will provide counsel to PPRP regarding emerging legal issues related to the rapidly evolving energy industry.
In addition to protection of natural resource interests in power plant permitting, the DNR advises and represents the Department on a wide range of matters, including land acquisition and stewardship, management of state forests and parks, regulation of commercial and recreational fishing and hunting, oversight of aquaculture and endangered species protection, vessel licensing and excise tax collection, enforcement of environmental and natural resource laws, and provides legal support for affiliated entities such as the Maryland Environmental Trust, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Critical Area Commission.
The PPRP unit supports the Department's role as the largest landowner in the State and steward of all Maryland waters including the beloved Chesapeake Bay. Opportunities to attend field visits across the State will enable the AAG to better understand DNR's management of the State's magnificent natural resources and understand the challenges DNR faces in meeting its legal obligations while remaining steadfast in its mission to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance Maryland's natural resources.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and team-oriented 17-person unit comprised of 15 Assistant Attorneys General including the Principal Counsel, Deputy Principal Counsel, Supervising Senior Attorney for Real Estate and Transactions, and Senior Supervising Counsel for the Power Plant Research Program, supported by an Office Manager and a Paralegal. The incumbent will benefit from a collegial spirit that accompanies the attorneys' interactions with one another, support staff, and agency clients.
This position will oversee the PPRP legal operations, improves procedures and legal strategies, manages workflow, and ensures high professional and ethical standards; prepare and litigate administrative and court matters to protect and advance the State's environmental and socioeconomic interests; provide advanced legal counsel to DNR and PPRP on energy law, regulatory compliance, permitting, and legal risks; serves as an energy-law subject-matter expert to OAG staff, and maintain effective communication and professional relationships with supervisors, staff, clients, government entities, outside counsel, and the public while ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.
In addition, this position is responsible for providing clear directions, setting expectations, and ensuring effective oversight of legal and administrative work. The role includes mentoring and developing attorneys and staff, making sound personnel and hiring decisions, managing operations and resources efficiently, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive team culture. Candidates must demonstrate effective delegation, timely performance management, and a commitment to developing team members through training, best practices, and ongoing professional growth.
If you have significant experience managing a fast-paced complex legal practice and are passionate about public service, energy and environmental law, and are committed to protecting Maryland's natural resources, we encourage you to apply.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General V
Experience: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of seven years of legal experience, with demonstrated knowledge and experience in energy law, public service, and government legal practice. The position requires strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills, as well as specialized experience advising and representing government clients in administrative proceedings and/or trial litigation. Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills are required, with prior staff management experience preferred. Admission to the Maryland Bar, or eligibility for admission by waiver, is required.
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.