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 Supervising Attorney for the Carroll County Department of Social Services (CCDSS) with the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS is Maryland’s primary social services agency, serving more than one million residents annually through its 24 local departments. DHS sets statewide policy, provides oversight, and supports local offices such as CCDSS, which delivers critical services including child welfare, adult protective services, and assistance for vulnerable individuals.
This position provides legal representation in child welfare and adult guardianship matters, as well as child abuse and neglect administrative appeals. The Supervising Attorney will represent CCDSS in the Circuit Court for Carroll County in Child in Need of Assistance (CINA), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and Adult Guardianship proceedings. In addition to courtroom advocacy, the attorney will provide legal advice on child welfare and adult services issues, manage responses to subpoenas and records requests, and occasionally handle administrative appeals before the Office of Administrative Hearings.
This leadership role oversees two attorneys and a paralegal, offering guidance, support, and performance oversight to ensure effective representation for CCDSS. Administrative responsibilities include approving leave requests and timesheets, conducting performance evaluations, and managing other personnel-related tasks. The Supervising Attorney will also coordinate with judges, magistrates, court staff, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure timely litigation and compliance with state and federal laws.
This position offers a meaningful opportunity to lead a dedicated legal team while making a direct impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults in Carroll County.
Qualifications
Maryland Bar membership and at least six years of experience practicing before the bar is required. The ideal candidate for this position would also have at least two years of supervisory or management experience as well as a strong background in child welfare or family law and litigation experience in juvenile or family court. Proficiency with the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system is helpful but not required. Applicants must also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
Application Process
Interested persons should submit the following documents in pdf format: (1) a cover letter; (2) resume (3) one writing sample; and (4) a list of three references including at least one current or former supervisor. Submissions should be emailed to Kelly James, Deputy Principal Counsel – Local Social Services at kelly.james@maryland.gov, by the close of business on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Please write “Carroll County Supervising Attorney Vacancy” in the subject line.
