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 Office of the Attorney General is seeking an experienced attorney to join the OAG team at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The AAG will provide legal advice and counsel to officials charged with administering programs within MDA’s Office of Resource Conservation. These programs are primarily focused on nutrient and sediment reductions on agricultural land and thereby, instrumental in assisting the State meet its goals for reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment outlined in the State’s Watershed Implementation Plan for the Bay. This includes providing advice and counsel to officials charged with administering: the Food Processing Residuals Utilization Program; the State’s Nutrient Management Program; and other programs within this office.
Responsibilities
This is a new position and the first one dedicated to MDA’s Office of Resource Conservation. The attorney in this role will work closely with agency personnel and other AAGs at MDA. In addition to advising agency personnel, this person will be responsible for: representing MDA before the Office of Administrative Hearings in enforcement actions taken pursuant to regulatory programs that the Office of Resource Conservation administers; drafting regulations; and drafting and reviewing contracts and grant agreements related to programs administered by this office.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of litigation experience. A demonstrated strength in legal analysis, persuasive writing, and courtroom advocacy is required. Candidates must have a proven ability to handle multiple, high-stakes cases simultaneously, manage client expectations, and develop and implement legal strategies that lead to favorable outcomes. Experience working with or advising on agricultural or environmental programs, policies, or regulatory frameworks, particularly those involving land use, conservation, or nutrient management is preferred. Knowledge of e-discovery platforms, particularly as they relate to managing large volumes of data and documents in complex litigation, will be an asset. Maryland Bar membership or the ability to waive in is required.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references via email to: Thomas F. Filbert, Principal Counsel, Maryland Department of Agriculture, via thomas.filbert@maryland.gov and Justin Hayes, Deputy Principal Counsel, Maryland Department of Agriculture, via justin.hayes@maryland.gov by Friday, September 26, 2025. Please type “AAG VI Maryland Department of Agriculture” in the subject of the email.
