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 litigator to serve as Deputy Unit Chief with the Correctional Litigation Unit within the Civil Litigation Division. The Civil Litigation Division defends the State and its employees in state and federal courts in the most significant civil cases the State confronts, while also taking strategic legal action on behalf of the State. Beyond litigation, the Division serves as a trusted resource, offering legal guidance, coordination, and support to other divisions within the OAG. The Division consists of approximately 30 attorneys across several units, including the Federal Accountability Unit, the Contract Litigation Unit, the Tort Litigation Unit, and the Correctional Litigation Unit.
The Correctional Litigation Unit plays a critical role in defending the State against federal lawsuits filed by current and former incarcerated individuals. The team handles complex litigation brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, addressing constitutional claims under the First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as violations of federal statutes including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Cases frequently involve ancillary State constitutional claims and common law torts, adding further depth and complexity to the work. The Unit is comprised of a Unit Chief, Deputy Unit Chief, two Senior Assistant Attorney Generals (AAGs), five AAGs, Paralegal, and a Management Associate.
Responsibilities
As Deputy Unit Chief, you will take on substantial litigation and leadership responsibilities, representing the State in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Maryland trial courts, and state and federal appellate courts. Duties include independently handling complex cases and overseeing cases assigned to Assistant Attorneys General, taking and defending depositions, managing written discoveries, drafting briefs and pleadings, and appearing in court for motions, hearings, and trials, including serving as first chair on trial teams.
This position requires strong leadership and team-management capabilities. In collaboration with the Unit Chief, the Deputy Unit Chief is responsible for providing clear direction, 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.
If you’re a seasoned litigator ready to help lead a team handling high-stakes constitutional and statutory matters in service of the public good, we encourage you to apply!
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have at least seven (7) years of legal experience, including substantial civil litigation experience and a strong command of civil trial and pretrial processes. Prior experience in correctional litigation or civil rights law is strongly preferred, as is prior supervisory or mentorship experience. Candidates should possess exceptional analytical, research, and communication skills (written and verbal), along with the leadership and organizational skills needed to manage a team handling multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Membership in both the Maryland Bar and the Federal Bar or the ability to waive in 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 worktime to be used for approved pro bono activities.
Application Process
Interested 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.
To apply go to https://oag.maryland.gov/ and select Careers.
