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, Department of General Services (DGS), is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to serve as a Deputy Principal Counsel responsible for providing legal advice and counsel on real estate matters. The Department’s Office of Real Estate (ORE) is charged with directing, coordinating and establishing policy for the acquisition, disposal, valuation and leasing of real property for all State agencies except the Department of Transportation. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, and in collaboration with the OAG, ORE also supports the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Program in its acquisition of agricultural preservation easements. These efforts help to ensure a stable supply of agricultural products for Maryland residents control urban expansion, curb the spread of urban blight, and protect agricultural land and woodland areas as open space.
Responsibilities
The Deputy Principal Counsel plays a key legal and leadership role within the structure and assists the Principal Counsel in overseeing the legal work of the ORE. The Deputy will prepare and review complex leases, participate in lease negotiations, analyze lease terms and conditions, and advise the leasing agents of risks, remedies and desirability of specific lease provisions. The Deputy will also provide legal guidance to the Lease Compliance and Enforcement Division when issues arise in leased facilities including matters related to construction and occupancy, environmental controls, cleaning services, ADA compliance, and other repairs and ongoing maintenance needs. In addition, the Deputy will be responsible for reviewing and advising on legislative proposals that may impact the ORE and will assist with drafting and reviewing regulations as necessary.
The Deputy Principal Counsel for Real Estate will also work closely with the Deputy Principal Counsel for Procurement and will serve as a key part of the leadership team within the DGS legal unit. The Deputy Principal Counsel will directly supervise four or five Assistant Attorneys General in their assigned areas including MALPF easements, commercial and intergovernmental leasing, and acquisitions and disposals of state-owned real property. The Deputy assists the Principal Counsel with office management and the coordination, assignment, and completion of legal work by the assigned attorneys. The Deputy Principal Counsel will also confer with attorneys on the substance and strategy of their matters while independently handling their own caseload. This is a great opportunity for an attorney with strong real estate experience to lead, advise, and influence some of the State’s most meaningful property related projects.
Qualifications
Applicants should have eight years of legal experience, including significant experience handling complex real estate or real property matters. Experience supervising attorneys is required, including reviewing work products, providing guidance, and managing assignments. Preferred candidates will have experience advising governmental or large organizational clients, familiarity with Maryland real property and administrative law, and strong analytical and communication skills. The position requires the ability to manage a high volume of work and balance multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Maryland Bar admission or ability to waive in is required.
Application Process
Applicants may apply on line via https://mdagcareers.ttcportals.com
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor.
Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, equity, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $179,430.
