Deputy Principal Counsel

Maryland Department of General Services

Posting Date:   May 13, 2025                                                                Closing Date:  May 27, 2025​

Job Title:  AGVIII                                                                                   Position Type:  Regular Full-Time

Salary:  The position offers a salary range of   $109,247 - $159,907 with potential for advancement up to $176,552 based on qualifications, equity and hiring guidelines.  Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $159,907. 

Location:  Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Department of General Services, 301 W. Preston Street Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21201​

Telework:         A hybrid remote telework and in-office schedule option is available per applicable policies and procedures.

DESCRIPTION:  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, Department of General Services, seeks a dedicated and experienced attorney to serve as a Deputy Principal Counsel that is responsible for advice and counsel on real estate issues. The Department of General Services Office of Real Estate (ORE) is charged with, among other things, directing, coordinating and establishing policy for the acquisition, disposal, valuation and leasing of real property for all state agencies except the Department of Transportation.  The ORE in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, and in collaboration with the OAG, supports the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Program's acquisition of preservation easements to provide sources of agricultural products with the State for the citizens of Maryland, control urban expansion consuming the agricultural land and woodland, curb the spread of urban blight and deterioration and, protect agricultural land and woodland as open-space land.

The Deputy Principal Counsel 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 lease provisions. The Deputy Principal Counsel will also advise the Lease Compliance and Enforcement Division when complaints arise in leased facilities regarding construction and occupancy of new or existing leased spaces, environmental controls, cleaning services, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and other needed repairs and ongoing maintenance of the lease space. The Deputy Principal Counsel will also be responsible for reviewing and advising the Office of Real Estate on legislative proposals that may impact that Office. The Deputy will review and assist with drafting regulations as necessary.

The Deputy Principal Counsel (Real Estate) serves as a key leader within the Office of the Attorney General, working in close coordination with the Deputy Principal Counsel (Procurement) to support the overall management and strategic direction of the legal team. In this leadership role, the Deputy Principal Counsel directly supervises a team of five Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs), guiding their work in areas such as MALPF easements, commercial and intergovernmental leasing, and the acquisition and disposition of state-owned real property. This role involves not only overseeing the quality and timeliness of legal work but also mentoring and advising attorneys on legal strategy and substantive issues. In addition to supervisory responsibilities, the Deputy Principal Counsel actively contributes to office management and legal operations by assisting the Principal Counsel in assigning cases, coordinating workloads, and ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of legal services, all while maintaining an individual caseload.

EXPERIENCE:  The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of experience, excellent research and writing skills, and experience with real estate, government law, and administrative law. Admission to the Maryland Bar, or the ability to waive in immediately, is required. Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or other leadership role and desire to mentor line AAGs at a minimum.

SUBMISSION:  Interested persons should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and list of three references  via email to Lauri McGuire, Principal Counsel lauri.mcguire@maryland.gov by close of business day on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Please write “AAG-DGS “Deputy Principal Counsel"- in the subject line of the letter or email.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:  The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave; and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. State employees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  The OAG is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING:  The Office of the Attorney General views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving professional excellence and fostering and maintaining a culture where every employee can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the best pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We honor, respect, and celebrate all differences, both visible and invisible, and are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting individuals who have historically been underrepresented in the practice of law and professional careers.