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 Civil Litigation Division defends the State and its employees in both 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 Civil Litigation Division also serves as a trusted resource – offering legal guidance, coordination, and support to other divisions within the OAG. The Civil Litigation 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. If you are an attorney looking for meaningful, high-stakes work that makes a real difference, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of civil litigation in service of the public good.
The Correctional Litigation Unit is currently seeking an experienced litigator to serve as Senior Assistant Attorney General. This unit plays a critical role in defending the State against federal lawsuits filed by current and former incarcerated individuals. This 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 like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Cases may also have ancillary State constitutional claims and common law torts, adding depth and complexity to the work.
Responsibilities
As Senior Assistant Attorney General, you will take on substantive litigation responsibilities, representing the State in United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Maryland trial courts, as well as state and federal appellate courts. The duties will include all aspects of defense litigation, including independently handling cases, taking and defending depositions, written discovery, drafting briefs and pleadings, appearing in in-person court for motions, hearings, and trials, to include serving as first chair on trial teams, and overseeing junior Assistant Attorneys General in litigation. There is substantial contact with the client agency and individual clients. The position requires broad knowledge of civil trial and pretrial processes and relevant civil litigation experience.
If you’re seeking an opportunity to litigate important cases and defend the State in high-stakes constitutional and statutory matters, we encourage you to apply!
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 7 years of legal experience along with exceptional analytical, research, and communication skills (written and verbal). We are looking for candidates with broad civil litigation experience and a strong grasp of civil trial and pretrial processes. Prior experience in correctional litigation or civil rights law is preferred. Candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and able to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Admission to the Maryland Bar and the Federal Bar of Maryland (or the ability to waive in) is required.
Application Process
Interested persons should electronically submit a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample, all in PDF format, by close of business on Thursday, August 28, 2025 to Samantha Lewis, Unit Chief, at slewis@oag.state.md.us with copy to Michael Frazier, Deputy Unit Chief, mfrazier@oag.state.md.us. Please write “Name – Senior Assistant Attorney General – Correctional Litigation Unit Application” in the subject line. Applicants who are subsequently invited for an interview will also be asked for references.
