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 Principal Counsel to the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). This senior leader will oversee all legal matters affecting TEDCO and will play a central role in supporting the organization’s mission of fostering technology growth, innovation, and economic development throughout Maryland. The Principal Counsel serves as TEDCO’s chief legal advisor and works closely with its executive leadership, Board of Directors, and affiliated programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws, effective governance, and sound decision‑making.
The Principal Counsel serves as a key advisor to TEDCO leadership on a wide range of legal issues including grant and investment program structures, procurement matters, contractual relationships, employment issues, and governance. Because TEDCO operates with unique exemptions from certain State personnel and procurement systems, the Principal Counsel drafts and negotiates TEDCO’s annual employment contracts and oversees its procurement‑related legal matters. The role also requires managing complex business transactions by drafting, negotiating, and reviewing legal documentation, protecting TEDCO’s interests, and coordinating the requirements of all parties to ensure transactions close smoothly. The ability to juggle multiple simultaneous transactions is essential.
The Principal Counsel plays an active role during the legislative session by monitoring bills, advising TEDCO and program leadership on potential impacts. The attorney also attends all TEDCO Board meetings and committee meetings, ensuring that leadership receives ongoing legal advice on governance and operational issues. Maintaining open, timely, and accurate communication with TEDCO leadership, the OAG, other stakeholders, and the public is a central aspect of the role.
Strong written communication skills are essential, as the Principal Counsel prepares letters, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents that must be clear, concise, and well‑organized. The role also requires active participation in continuing legal education, professional development activities, and OAG special projects.
Above all, the position requires a leader who demonstrates professionalism, dependability, honesty, and a commitment to equitable and respectful workplace practices. The Principal Counsel is expected to train and mentor staff, ensure proper performance evaluations, and support professional development goals.
Beyond TEDCO, the Principal Counsel may provide legal counsel to programs that support Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, like the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) and the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII). Providing legal support to these programs will require the Principal Counsel to oversee the structure of grant programs – some of which are aimed at commercializing university research; negotiate and close grant agreements; participate in Commission meetings; help evaluate annual grant applications; and stay informed about emerging developments in regenerative medicine.
This is a dynamic and highly impactful role for an attorney who thrives in a mission‑driven, innovation‑oriented environment and who is committed to the highest standards of legal service and public trust.
Classification: Assistant Attorney General VII
Telework: Hybrid Work – Two in-office days weekly.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have ten years of experience providing high‑level legal counsel on complex statutory, regulatory, and transactional matters, particularly within a public‑sector or quasi‑public environment. The role requires substantial experience drafting and negotiating contracts, grants, and investment agreements, as well as managing and closing complex transactions. Candidates should have prior experience advising executive leadership, boards, or commissions; interpreting legislation; and supporting governance‑related decision‑making. Experience handling employment and procurement matters, supervising legal staff, and managing a legal unit is essential. Strong writing, communication, and relationship‑building skills, along with sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical practice, are also required.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor with their online application https://mdagcareers.ttcportals.com/jobs/17664980-principal-counsel-tedco?bid=21259
