The Office of the Attorney General sponsors a volunteer Law Clerk program that provides law students with an opportunity to serve the citizens of Maryland in a wide range of legal fields from criminal investigations and consumer protection to counsel to select state agencies. Law clerks have opportunities to perform legal research and writing, participate in witness and client interviews, as well as assist with litigation of claims filed with Maryland's trial, administrative, and appellate courts.The Maryland Attorney General's Office is the largest and finest law firm in the State. The breadth of the work performed by the Office is vast and encompasses criminal investigations and prosecutions, securities and antitrust actions, environmental enforcement, civil litigation, appellate advocacy, and representation of the State of Maryland in virtually every legal arena. As counselors and litigators for the agencies, boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of Maryland State Government, the Office has a distinguished history of addressing complex legal issues successfully. In a broad range of contexts, from protecting the Chesapeake Bay against polluters to keeping Maryland's families safe from violence and unscrupulous business practices, the Law Clerk Program gives participants a chance to help the Office make a difference in communities all across the State.
Law Clerks should have excellent legal research and writing abilities, strong communication and team skills, a great work ethic and a good attitude. Specific schedules will be determined based upon the needs of the division and the clerk's class and extracurricular commitments, in coordination with the law clerk's supervising attorneys. Volunteer law clerks are expected to work no less than 15-20 hours per week. Law clerks may be eligible to receive course credit.
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BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ATTORNEY GENERAL AGENCIES & DIVISIONS
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UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: DIVISIONS
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS DIVISIONThe Independent Investigations Division is responsible for investigating all police-involved deaths of civilians in the state of Maryland. The Division was created as part of a larger set of police-reform legislation in 2021. The Division works closely with the Maryland State Police to provide an independent criminal investigation into every police-involved fatality, as well as a detailed report of the findings of that investigation. Interns can expect to do a mix of legal research, writing, and evidence review.ORGANIZED CRIME UNITThe Organized Crime Unit handles complex investigations and prosecutions of criminal gang activities, firearms and narcotics trafficking, and violent felonies from serious assaults to serial murders. Prosecutions will be built upon a wide range of investigative tools, including for example wiretaps, undercover operations, and the use of the grand jury. Prosecutors in the Organized Crime Unit will also be part of the Attorney General's statewide Organized Crime Task Force, and will work with assistant state's attorneys and law enforcement from counties all across the state.MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNITThe Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) uses a strike force model to investigate and prosecute fraud by Medicaid providers in Maryland. While working with teams of attorneys, auditors and investigators, an intern will have the opportunity to work on civil and criminal cases involving health care fraud and also abuse and neglect of vulnerable individuals in facilities that receive state funds. Additionally, an intern will experience how investigative teams work collaboratively with federal investigators and U.S. Attorneys in cases that may involve multiple states. An intern can expect to do a mix of legal research, review of evidence (including medical records), observing witness interviews and attending court proceedings. Much emphasis is placed on learning the do's and don'ts of the Maryland Medicaid program in order to investigate and evaluate the worthiness of case referrals to the MFCU. An added plus is the exposure to the criminal grand jury process as well as civil procedures for discovery. INSURANCE FRAUDThe Insurance Fraud Division of the Attorney General's Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting suspected acts of insurance fraud and related theft throughout the 23 counties, and city of Baltimore, located in the State of Maryland. The Division works closely with the Maryland Insurance Administration, the Maryland State Police, and the special investigation units of insurance companies. The Insurance Fraud Division uses a number of investigative techniques including: grand jury subpoenas and testimony; electronic surveillance; field surveillance; forensic auditing and accounting; witness interviews; proffer sessions; and numerous database searches. Law clerks working in the Insurance Fraud Division routinely accompany an Assistant Attorney General to a variety of Circuit Court proceedings including: criminal arraignments; scheduling conferences; motions hearings; trials; sentencing hearings; and violations of probation hearings. Law clerks responsibilities range from research and writing to participating in trial preparation and support.CRIMINAL APPEALS The Criminal Appeals Division handles all direct and collateral appeals arising from criminal convictions across the State of Maryland. The Division also represents the State in all habeas corpus cases that are filed by state prisoners in federal court. Interns in the Criminal Appeals Division provide research assistance to the 17 Assistant Attorneys General in the Division. This research typically involves constitutional criminal procedure, rules of evidence, and trial and post-conviction rights. Interns may be asked to quickly locate a case supporting a particular legal proposition, to produce a detailed written memorandum summarizing complex legal research, or anything in between.Additionally, each intern is given the opportunity to handle at least one criminal appeal from start to finish. Working closely with an Assistant Attorney General in the Division, the intern reads the circuit court transcripts, researches the issues raised in the appellant's brief, and drafts the State's response. The goal is for interns to leave the Division with a completed appellate brief that can be used as a writing sample.Although the Division is happy to welcome traditional single-season interns, we also encourage students to consider a two-season commitment, for example, spring and summer. This allows students to gain more in-depth appellate experience, and participate in the Court of Appeals' term, which runs from September through June.
The Independent Investigations Division is responsible for investigating all police-involved deaths of civilians in the state of Maryland. The Division was created as part of a larger set of police-reform legislation in 2021. The Division works closely with the Maryland State Police to provide an independent criminal investigation into every police-involved fatality, as well as a detailed report of the findings of that investigation. Interns can expect to do a mix of legal research, writing, and evidence review.
The Organized Crime Unit handles complex investigations and prosecutions of criminal gang activities, firearms and narcotics trafficking, and violent felonies from serious assaults to serial murders. Prosecutions will be built upon a wide range of investigative tools, including for example wiretaps, undercover operations, and the use of the grand jury. Prosecutors in the Organized Crime Unit will also be part of the Attorney General's statewide Organized Crime Task Force, and will work with assistant state's attorneys and law enforcement from counties all across the state.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) uses a strike force model to investigate and prosecute fraud by Medicaid providers in Maryland. While working with teams of attorneys, auditors and investigators, an intern will have the opportunity to work on civil and criminal cases involving health care fraud and also abuse and neglect of vulnerable individuals in facilities that receive state funds. Additionally, an intern will experience how investigative teams work collaboratively with federal investigators and U.S. Attorneys in cases that may involve multiple states.
An intern can expect to do a mix of legal research, review of evidence (including medical records), observing witness interviews and attending court proceedings. Much emphasis is placed on learning the do's and don'ts of the Maryland Medicaid program in order to investigate and evaluate the worthiness of case referrals to the MFCU. An added plus is the exposure to the criminal grand jury process as well as civil procedures for discovery.
The Insurance Fraud Division of the Attorney General's Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting suspected acts of insurance fraud and related theft throughout the 23 counties, and city of Baltimore, located in the State of Maryland. The Division works closely with the Maryland Insurance Administration, the Maryland State Police, and the special investigation units of insurance companies.
The Insurance Fraud Division uses a number of investigative techniques including: grand jury subpoenas and testimony; electronic surveillance; field surveillance; forensic auditing and accounting; witness interviews; proffer sessions; and numerous database searches. Law clerks working in the Insurance Fraud Division routinely accompany an Assistant Attorney General to a variety of Circuit Court proceedings including: criminal arraignments; scheduling conferences; motions hearings; trials; sentencing hearings; and violations of probation hearings. Law clerks responsibilities range from research and writing to participating in trial preparation and support.
The Criminal Appeals Division handles all direct and collateral appeals arising from criminal convictions across the State of Maryland. The Division also represents the State in all habeas corpus cases that are filed by state prisoners in federal court.
Interns in the Criminal Appeals Division provide research assistance to the 17 Assistant Attorneys General in the Division. This research typically involves constitutional criminal procedure, rules of evidence, and trial and post-conviction rights. Interns may be asked to quickly locate a case supporting a particular legal proposition, to produce a detailed written memorandum summarizing complex legal research, or anything in between.
Additionally, each intern is given the opportunity to handle at least one criminal appeal from start to finish. Working closely with an Assistant Attorney General in the Division, the intern reads the circuit court transcripts, researches the issues raised in the appellant's brief, and drafts the State's response. The goal is for interns to leave the Division with a completed appellate brief that can be used as a writing sample.
Although the Division is happy to welcome traditional single-season interns, we also encourage students to consider a two-season commitment, for example, spring and summer. This allows students to gain more in-depth appellate experience, and participate in the Court of Appeals' term, which runs from September through June.
CONSUMER PROTECTION The Consumer Protection Division provides a mediation and arbitration service to consumers to help resolve complaints against businesses and health insurance carriers, registers health clubs and new home builders, enforces consumer protection laws and produces a wide array of consumer education materials. CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIPS:The Consumer Protection Division participates in the General Assembly session with respect to legislation impacting the Consumer Protection Act, Md. Code Ann., Com. Law §§ 13-101, et seq., and related consumer protection statutes. Similarly, the Division's Health Education and Advocacy Unit is active with respect to health care legislation affecting Maryland consumers. A law student intern would have the opportunity to work with attorneys working on potential and pending legislation. Law student interns assist in all phases of the Division's legislative work. The specific assignments will depend upon the matters that are pending during the semester. The type of work performed may include:Legal research on state and federal bills and statutes;Factual research related to potential and actual legislation;Reviewing consumer complaints and contacting consumers to help identify possible witnesses;Assisting with drafting legislation;Helping to track legislation as it moves through the General Assembly;Meeting with legislators to discuss pending legislation; andAssisting with preparation for legislative hearings.HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY UNITThe HEAU was established in 1986, with a mission to assist consumers with healthcare business disputes, help healthcare consumers understand healthcare bills and insurance coverage, identify improper billing or coverage determinations, and report billing or coverage problems to appropriate agencies, including the Consumer Protection Division's Enforcement Unit. The HEAU engages in enforcement actions against healthcare businesses engaged in violations of the Consumer Protection Act and HIPAA violations. The HEAU provides free mediation services for consumers who have a billing dispute with their healthcare provider, need assistance resolving a dispute about medical equipment or devices, have an enrollment dispute with their private health insurance carrier, or have a coverage dispute with their private health insurance carrier. The HEAU also engages in legislative initiatives to advance consumer protections in the healthcare marketplace and participates as a voice for consumers in healthcare-related meetings and workgroups.HEALTH INSURANCE AND CONSUMER MEDIATIONThese two subdivisions of Consumer Protection work to mediate consumer issues with their health insurance companies mediate consumer complaints against Maryland Businesses, respectively.
The Consumer Protection Division provides a mediation and arbitration service to consumers to help resolve complaints against businesses and health insurance carriers, registers health clubs and new home builders, enforces consumer protection laws and produces a wide array of consumer education materials.
The Consumer Protection Division participates in the General Assembly session with respect to legislation impacting the Consumer Protection Act, Md. Code Ann., Com. Law §§ 13-101, et seq., and related consumer protection statutes. Similarly, the Division's Health Education and Advocacy Unit is active with respect to health care legislation affecting Maryland consumers. A law student intern would have the opportunity to work with attorneys working on potential and pending legislation. Law student interns assist in all phases of the Division's legislative work. The specific assignments will depend upon the matters that are pending during the semester. The type of work performed may include:
The HEAU was established in 1986, with a mission to assist consumers with healthcare business disputes, help healthcare consumers understand healthcare bills and insurance coverage, identify improper billing or coverage determinations, and report billing or coverage problems to appropriate agencies, including the Consumer Protection Division's Enforcement Unit. The HEAU engages in enforcement actions against healthcare businesses engaged in violations of the Consumer Protection Act and HIPAA violations. The HEAU provides free mediation services for consumers who have a billing dispute with their healthcare provider, need assistance resolving a dispute about medical equipment or devices, have an enrollment dispute with their private health insurance carrier, or have a coverage dispute with their private health insurance carrier. The HEAU also engages in legislative initiatives to advance consumer protections in the healthcare marketplace and participates as a voice for consumers in healthcare-related meetings and workgroups.
These two subdivisions of Consumer Protection work to mediate consumer issues with their health insurance companies mediate consumer complaints against Maryland Businesses, respectively.
CIVIL RIGHTSThe Civil Rights Division provides advice to the Attorney General in all matters relating to Civil Rights. In addition, the Division reviews and responds to complaints of alleged civil right violations and evaluates possible violations based on patterns or practices that have a significant impact in Maryland. They also monitor legislation that involves civil rights with a view toward making recommendations. Educational and community outreach through partnerships with advocacy groups, law enforcement and the faith community are also part of the work of the Civil Rights Division.COURTS AND JUDICIAL AFFAIRSThis Division provides legal services to the Judicial Branch of State government and selected executive agencies. Assistant Attorneys General in this Division advise and represent a broad range of clients including the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, the 24 Circuit Courts, the District Court, all state judges, the 22 Orphans' Courts, the 24 Registers of Wills, the 24 Clerks of the Circuit Courts, the 24 elected Sheriffs and their offices in state and federal court at both the trial and appellate level. The Division also advises and represents court-related agencies and executive agencies including the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Client Protection Fund, the Maryland State Law Library, the Board of Bar Examiners, the Maryland Tax Court and the Office of Administrative Hearings.LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRSThe Legislative Affairs Division coordinates legislative activity for the Office of the Attorney General and advises the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorneys General on legislative strategy to advance policy initiatives. As such, the Division serves as primary liaison to members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staffs. The Division works closely with the relevant committees of the General Assembly as well as with individual Members who have an interest in multiple statewide legislative initiatives including public safety, consumer protection, and environmental protection issues. The Division prepares and coordinates legislative proposals, testimony, reports, briefings, posture statements, policy statements, information papers, and other matters relating to the provision of information to the General Assembly. The Division is responsible for the fostering of positive working relationships between the Office of the Attorney General and the General Assembly.OPINIONS AND ADVICEThe Division of Opinions & Advice prepares the official Opinions of the Attorney General and otherwise oversees the legal advice that the Office provides to its State agency clients. The topics that the Division is called upon to address run the gamut of legal issues, from the preemptive reach of State laws regulating pawnbrokers to the First Amendment implications of personal leave policies. In addition, the Division has developed expertise in election law and open government issues, including the implementation of the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act. The small size of the Division (4 attorneys) ensures a collegial working environment in which everyone collaborates to solve the most difficult interpretive issues that our Office handles.PUBLIC ACCESS UNITThe public's right to information about government activities lies at the heart of a democratic government. Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) grants the people of this State a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. Similarly, Maryland's Open Meetings Act (OMA) generally requires State and local public bodies to hold their meetings in the open. The Public Access Unit supports the PIA Compliance Board, Open Meetings Compliance Board, and Public Access Ombudsman.
The Civil Rights Division provides advice to the Attorney General in all matters relating to Civil Rights. In addition, the Division reviews and responds to complaints of alleged civil right violations and evaluates possible violations based on patterns or practices that have a significant impact in Maryland. They also monitor legislation that involves civil rights with a view toward making recommendations. Educational and community outreach through partnerships with advocacy groups, law enforcement and the faith community are also part of the work of the Civil Rights Division.
This Division provides legal services to the Judicial Branch of State government and selected executive agencies. Assistant Attorneys General in this Division advise and represent a broad range of clients including the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, the 24 Circuit Courts, the District Court, all state judges, the 22 Orphans' Courts, the 24 Registers of Wills, the 24 Clerks of the Circuit Courts, the 24 elected Sheriffs and their offices in state and federal court at both the trial and appellate level. The Division also advises and represents court-related agencies and executive agencies including the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Client Protection Fund, the Maryland State Law Library, the Board of Bar Examiners, the Maryland Tax Court and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
The Legislative Affairs Division coordinates legislative activity for the Office of the Attorney General and advises the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorneys General on legislative strategy to advance policy initiatives. As such, the Division serves as primary liaison to members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staffs. The Division works closely with the relevant committees of the General Assembly as well as with individual Members who have an interest in multiple statewide legislative initiatives including public safety, consumer protection, and environmental protection issues. The Division prepares and coordinates legislative proposals, testimony, reports, briefings, posture statements, policy statements, information papers, and other matters relating to the provision of information to the General Assembly. The Division is responsible for the fostering of positive working relationships between the Office of the Attorney General and the General Assembly.
The Division of Opinions & Advice prepares the official Opinions of the Attorney General and otherwise oversees the legal advice that the Office provides to its State agency clients. The topics that the Division is called upon to address run the gamut of legal issues, from the preemptive reach of State laws regulating pawnbrokers to the First Amendment implications of personal leave policies. In addition, the Division has developed expertise in election law and open government issues, including the implementation of the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act. The small size of the Division (4 attorneys) ensures a collegial working environment in which everyone collaborates to solve the most difficult interpretive issues that our Office handles.
The public's right to information about government activities lies at the heart of a democratic government. Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) grants the people of this State a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. Similarly, Maryland's Open Meetings Act (OMA) generally requires State and local public bodies to hold their meetings in the open. The Public Access Unit supports the PIA Compliance Board, Open Meetings Compliance Board, and Public Access Ombudsman.
CIVIL DIVISIONThe Civil Division handles major litigation in which the State, its agencies, or officers, is a party. This includes defending the State and State employees in State and federal trial and appellate courts as well as filing suits on behalf of the State. The Civil Division is responsible for reviewing all briefs that are filed by the Office of the Attorney General in civil appeals in all federal and State courts. The Civil Division also provides assistance, coordination, and advice to other divisions within the Office of the Attorney General in connection with trial and appellate litigation being handled throughout the office.ANTITRUSTThe Antitrust Division is responsible for fostering fair and honest commercial competition in the State of Maryland. Competition promotes the highest quality products for the lowest prices. To ensure that participants in the marketplace succeed or fail on the strength of their skill and effort, and not by illegal means, the Antitrust Division prosecutes agreements among competitors to fix prices, rig bids and boycott as well as efforts to monopolize markets. Over the past five years, the Antitrust Division has recovered over $12 million for the State and Maryland consumers in illegal overcharges. Lawyers in this division work closely with their counterparts in other states, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.
The Civil Division handles major litigation in which the State, its agencies, or officers, is a party. This includes defending the State and State employees in State and federal trial and appellate courts as well as filing suits on behalf of the State. The Civil Division is responsible for reviewing all briefs that are filed by the Office of the Attorney General in civil appeals in all federal and State courts. The Civil Division also provides assistance, coordination, and advice to other divisions within the Office of the Attorney General in connection with trial and appellate litigation being handled throughout the office.
The Antitrust Division is responsible for fostering fair and honest commercial competition in the State of Maryland. Competition promotes the highest quality products for the lowest prices. To ensure that participants in the marketplace succeed or fail on the strength of their skill and effort, and not by illegal means, the Antitrust Division prosecutes agreements among competitors to fix prices, rig bids and boycott as well as efforts to monopolize markets. Over the past five years, the Antitrust Division has recovered over $12 million for the State and Maryland consumers in illegal overcharges. Lawyers in this division work closely with their counterparts in other states, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.
The Attorney General's Office at the Maryland Department of Aging is a small unit so there is potential exposure to all elements of government practice: drafting regulations, personnel issues, analyzing legislation, assisting with IT procurement, etc. While there is not a lot of litigation, we never know what we will be called upon to do during any given week so the Department of Aging is a good place to see and learn what is required to be a jack of all legal trades. Plus, you will know that whatever you are assigned, you will be supporting the agency whose statutory mandate is to assist Maryland's elders.
The Office of the Attorney General that represents and advises the Department of Budget and Management is staffed with 12 attorneys and 8 support staff. The office represents DBM in a variety of subject matters that include the State operating and and capital budgets; formulating and administering Statewide personnel policies; administering the health and life insurance benefits program for State employees and retirees; supervising the procurement of services; and the collection and litigation of most debts owed to State agencies (with some exceptions, such as taxes). The staff is primarily located at 300 West Preston Street in Baltimore.
Almost wholly federal court practice, Correctional Litigation defends against prisoner civil rights cases at both the appellate and trial levels. Issues focus upon religious rights, medical care, use of force, failure to protect, the ADA and Rehab. Act, denial of due process and all aspects of prisoner life. A lot of work, a lot of interesting cases. Correctional Litigation engages in heavy motions practice, as well as challenging trial work, discovery and mediation.
The MSDE unit provides legal advice and guidance to the Maryland State Board of Education, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Maryland School for the Deaf on a wide range of issues. The unit represents these public agencies in administrative and court litigation. Attorneys practice in all areas of public education including: special education, correctional education, adult vocational rehabilitation, vending program for the blind, student rights and responsibilities, teacher rights and responsibilities, school financing, school administration, public library administration, interscholastic athletics, school construction, and child care licensing and enforcement. Student interns have the opportunity to work directly with the unit's attorneys learning the day to day functions of a public agency legal office. Interns draft memos to the State Board of Education, research novel and cutting edge legal issues and write advice memos, participate in litigation preparation, and observe client meetings and client counseling.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is made up of about 25 attorneys who provide complete legal support for all aspects of the MDE's work, including pollution control in the areas of air, water, waste, sediment and storm water control. Work in the OAG includes initiating enforcement actions and other litigation, providing advice and counsel, drafting legislation, and reviewing new and revised regulations. Law clerks/interns engage in legal and policy research, litigation and pre-litigation support, developing case strategies, and other projects. Law clerks/interns may attend meetings with state and federal agencies, legislators and citizen groups. Law clerks are also invited to attend OAG in-house work practice group meetings and other educational training programs held throughout the year. During summer internships, law clerks also participate in a 1/2 day moot court trial where they represent the State (MDE) or the defendant (alleged violator) in an environment matter, give opening statement and closing arguments, examine and cross-examine witnesses and introduce exhibits. Each intern is also provided with a mentor to assist in preparing the case for trial.
MES is an independent unit of State government responsible for planning, design, construction, operation, and financing of water supply, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, dredged material management, stormwater management, and energy facilities. The agency operates or manages over 600 projects throughout Maryland, and is staffed by more than 800 employees. Notable projects include:
Our legal practice includes tort and contract litigation; defending environmental enforcement actions; negotiating, drafting and reviewing complex contracts and real estate transactions; providing advice on a myriad of legal matters including environmental compliance, personnel, procurement, Open Meetings Act compliance, Public Information Act responses, intellectual property, worker safety, and securities law; and assisting the agency in developing and managing regional and intergovernmental water supply, energy, waste disposal and other environmental protection and restoration projects. Our office is located at MES' LEED Gold certified headquarters building in Millersville, Maryland, between Baltimore and Annapolis.
The Office Counsel for the General Assembly provides legal advice to members of the General Assembly and their staff, and to the Governor's Office about the constitutionality, legal sufficiency and interpretation of legislation. The office also represents legislators, legislative staff agencies and on occasion defends legislation whose constitutionality is challenged in court. The office provides legal counsel to all legislative agencies, including the Department of Legislative Services and the Office of Legislative Audits.
Law clerks will have an opportunity to work on a variety of subject areas, and work in an often fast-paced and exciting environment. Strong legal research and writing skills are required. Position requires commute to Annapolis, but parking is provided.
The Department of Health (MDH) regulates the delivery of medical care throughout Maryland and assists more than 500,000 citizens each year in securing needed services. The Office of the Attorney General represents MDH in a wide variety of legal proceedings ranging from Medicaid eligibility hearings to enforcement actions against health care providers. The Attorney General also serves as legal advisor to more than 100 programs that fund and regulate the State's public and private health care system.
The Office of the Attorney General has two distinct roles in representing MDH. First, the Office serves as counselor to health care policy makers who design and administer State and federal programs. Second, attorneys specializing in health care litigation prosecute and defend the agency's regulatory, enforcement and entitlement decisions. Agency counselors advise program managers on legislative developments, regulation drafting and enforcement issues. Some attorneys serve onsite at MDH hospitals while others assist Maryland's statewide commissions and boards that license the health care professions and administer Maryland's health care reimbursement programs.
The General Assembly created the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange in 2011 to design and operate a healthcare marketplace under the newly enacted federal Affordable Care Act. The online marketplace where consumers and small businesses compare, shop and enroll in health care will launch just its third open-enrollment period for individuals on November 1, 2015.
The candidate selected will work with the agency's three assistant attorneys general in a fast-paced environment where novel legal questions are common. The group provides advice on issues including program eligibility, privacy and security of data and enrollees' personal information, and contracting issues unique to a new agency exempt from the State's general procurement law. Assignments may include legal memoranda, regulation drafting, and quick, responsive legal research. Much of the work is healthcare and IT-focused, and while litigation surfaces from time-to-time, it is not a frequent component of the group's work.
The Health Occupations Prosecution and Litigation Division (HOPL) is a group of attorneys engaged in the practice of health law. Inherent in the division's name are the two facets of HOPL's mission: prosecution and litigation. Our attorneys serve as prosecutors in administrative disciplinary cases against members of health professions regulated by State licensing boards. The law clerks will assist HOPL's prosecutors as they build cases, draft charges, and litigate matters vital to the safety and well-being of Marylanders, such as fraud, prescription drug violations, professional misconduct, and substandard care.
We represent the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) on matters related to affordable housing and community development. Our practice includes closing complex real estate transactions for the financing of affordable housing; tax-exempt bond issuance; section 8 rental assistance vouchers, including termination hearings; state and federal energy efficiency programs; closing small business loans and grants; preparing grant agreements for community development; fair housing issues; personnel issues for DHCD; and legislative efforts related to affordable housing. Note that our office is located at DHCD headquarters in Lanham, Prince George's County, adjacent to the New Carrollton Metro station.
We act as general counsel to the Maryland Department of Human Services ("DHS"), the umbrella agency for local departments of social services across the State. We advise DHS and local departments on a variety of legal issues relating to child welfare, public benefits, child support, adult protective services, and employment issues. We represent DHS and local departments in State and federal courts in a variety of litigation sounding in tort law, employment law, and civil rights. We handle a heavy civil appellate practice focusing largely on child in need of assistance cases, termination of parental rights cases, and child abuse and neglect cases. We also oversee and advise on a large procurement practice.
Created in 2008 as a cabinet-level agency, the Maryland Department of Information Technology (the “Department") is entrusted with developing, maintaining, and enforcing statewide information technology and telecommunications policies, standards, and resources for the Executive Branch of State Government. The Department, among other duties, maintains the State's IT network, oversees technology contracts and state-owned communication infrastructure, issues cybersecurity guidelines and coordinates responses, and provides regular IT and telecommunications support to Maryland agencies.
The Office of the Attorney General in the Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT OAG") provides a full range of legal services as general counsel to the Department. As a small unit, DoIT OAG serves many roles. First, as counselor to the Department, DoIT OAG advises on a wide variety of policy issues ranging from optimizing State agency development, delivery, and use of IT resources to information security and privacy issues, compliance with state and federal law and regulation, and draft state legislation and regulation. Second, DoIT OAG advises on IT and telecommunications procurements from the beginning of the procurement process through the life of the resulting contract, including contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution. Third, DoIT OAG advises several related boards and offices such as the Maryland Public Safety Radio Control Board, and the Office of Security Management and Statewide Chief Information Security Officer. Finally, DoIT OAG is rarely called upon to represent the State in litigation before the Maryland Board of Contract Appeals or in state or federal courts.
The Department's primary office is in Crownsville, Maryland (near Annapolis). DoIT OAG attorneys split time between the Department's primary office and Baltimore.
DJS is the State's central administrative agency responsible for juvenile intake, detention authorization, investigation, probation, protective supervision and aftercare services. DJS is also responsible for the State's juvenile training and rehabilitation institutions. The Office of the Attorney General for DJS provides legal advice and counsel to the Secretary of Juvenile Services and other agency officials. Our attorneys handle litigation in state and federal courts at both trial and appellate levels and provide legal advice on a broad spectrum of issues, including juvenile justice law and policy, human services, health, confidentiality, civil rights, employment, federal grants, tort liability, procurement and legislation. The responsibilities of the law clerk will focus mainly on research and trial preparation in employment matters.
The Office of Attorney General represents, advises and assists the Department of Labor ("DOL") in its diverse functions and programs. DOL houses units which encompass and touch a broad range of Marylanders and Maryland businesses: the Division of Unemployment Insurance; the Division of Labor and Industry; the Commissioner of Financial Regulation; over 25 Occupational and Professional Licensing boards and commissions; the Maryland Racing Commission; and the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. The Assistant Attorneys General assigned to DOL represent the agency in all litigation matters and serve as advice counsel for each of these units. The breadth of DOL's operations means that the AAGs representing it handle a broad range of legal issues.
Examples of litigation matters handled by DOL AAGs include: representing the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in litigation of enforcement actions and license disputes; representing the Occupational and Professional Licensing boards and commissions in enforcement, disciplinary and licensing disputes; representing the Commissioner of Labor and Industry in a wide-range of litigation matters, including litigating wage cases, disputed Workplace Fraud Act citations, and disputed citations issued by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health; representing the Unemployment Insurance Board of Appeals on all appeals of Board decisions; representing the Division of Unemployment Insurance in certain tax cases; and representing the Maryland thoroughbred and standardbred stewards and judges in disputed cases before the Racing Commission.
Similarly, advice counsel provide a full range of legal services to DOL, its units and employees, including, for example, advising the agency on matters of substantive law; advising the agency on personnel matters; drafting legislation and regulatory amendments; advising the agency on other proposed statutes and regulations which may impact DOL; assisting the agency with procurement matters; advising the agency in responding to consumer complaints; assisting the agency in responding to MPIA requests; assisting the agency's divisions and the occupational and professional boards in handling contested hearings, etc.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is a small independent agency that regulates all sectors of postsecondary education, including vocational schools, community colleges, public universities, nonprofit universities, and for-profit universities. MHEC additionally administers need-based state financial aid programs, loan repayment assistance programs, and other state-sponsored scholarships and grants. MHEC's two Assistant Attorneys General work on a variety of matters, including advising on higher education law, open government and ethics issues, personnel, and procurement; reviewing legislation; drafting regulations; regulatory enforcement; and representing MHEC in administrative proceedings. Law clerks will have the opportunity to focus on areas of law and sectors of higher education that are of particular interest to them.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission administer the State's traditional lottery and casino gaming programs. Traditional lottery includes instant ticket games ("scratch-offs") and draw games (Keno, Powerball, Pick 3, etc.). Casino gaming includes video lottery terminals ("slots") and table games conducted at the State's five casinos. The Agency and Commission also oversee instant ticket lottery machines at qualified veterans' organizations, instant ticket bingo, and electronic gaming devices.
Our unit is housed at the main headquarters of the MLGCA, and is staffed by five AAGs and a Management Associate. We advise the Agency and Commission on a broad spectrum of issues, including: gaming law, policy, licensing and enforcement; personnel; Maryland's Public Information and Open Meetings Acts; regulations; intellectual property; prize assignment; tort liability; and procurement. For more information about the Agency and Commission, please see State Gov't Art. sec. 9-101, et seq. and 9-1A-01, et seq., COMAR Title 36, and www.mdlottery.com.
The Office of the Attorney General for the Secretary of State primarily advises and represents the Secretary of State in charitable enforcement matters involving the investigation and the prosecution of violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act, Title 6, Business Regulation Article and laws governing the protection of charitable assets, Title 6.5, Business Regulation Article. In addition to charitable enforcement, the Office of the Attorney General for the Secretary of State provides advice and counsel to each of the various divisions and programs administered by the Secretary of State's Office including, but not limited to the Charitable Organizations Division, Notaries Division, Maryland Safe at Home Program, the Maryland Sister States Program and International Affairs Division, and the Division of State Documents. The Office of the Attorney General for the Secretary of State provides advice to the Secretary of State on certification of statewide ballot questions and acceptance of petitions for referendum seeking to overturn Acts of the General Assembly. Work of the Office of the Attorney General for the Secretary of State also includes advice on Maryland Public Information Act requests, legislation, drafting and review of regulations, memorandums of understanding, and reviewing and responding to other legal notices received by the Secretary of State's Office.
The Maryland State Police (MSP) is a full-service statewide law enforcement agency. The Office of the Attorney General has a unit of five attorneys assigned to represent MSP at MSP's headquarters in Pikesville. This unit defends the agency and its employees in civil actions and provides advice to the various units and divisions within the agency including the Forensic Sciences Division (Crime Lab), Licensing, Asset Forfeiture, and Internal Affairs, among others.
The litigation work involves civil rights claims, motor vehicle torts, intentional torts, and labor and employment issues.
The unit provides advice to the agency on a variety of issues including personnel matters, proposed legislation, application of statutes and regulations, subpoenas in both civil and criminal matters, Public Information Act requests, and the legal sufficiency of contracts and agreements.
Lawclerks become involved in both the litigation and advice work and have the opportunity to become directly involved in high profile litigation and cutting edge legal advice.
The Office of the Attorney General at the Motor Vehicle Administration ("MVA") in Glen Burnie, Maryland is a modal agency of the Maryland Department of Transportation. At the MVA the five Assistant Attorneys General there handle a variety of matters from advice of counsel on any matter that the MVA regulates, including personnel, to the litigation of civil rights actions in federal and State trial and appellate courts. A large part of the Office's litigation practice is both defending and bringing petitions for judicial review in the circuit courts throughout the State. Such petitions may be for alcohol-related license violations, license actions for accumulation of points, to actions taken as a regulatory agency of motor vehicle dealers, tag and title services, driver education schools, etc.
Opportunities to apply what you have learned to the real world practice of a busy, regulatory government agency abound. There is no shortage of litigation and research and writing opportunities. Free parking is available for your work day in a pleasant office setting.
The Office of the Attorney General represents the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. A principal department of State government with approximately 1250 permanent employees (plus ~600 contractual hires), DNR is responsible for developing and implementing "policies, plans, programs, and practices which insure the preservation, development, wise use, and enjoyment of all the natural resources for [the] greatest benefits to the State and its citizens." Major programs within DNR include the State's Forest Service, Park Service, Fisheries Service, Wildlife and Heritage Service, and the Natural Resources Police. In addition, the Department houses the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Commission and the Maryland Environmental Trust. Our attorneys advise these programs on contractual and regulatory actions, undertake both affirmative and defensive litigation on their behalf, and review proposed real estate transactions.
The law clerk position will research and write for the attorneys in all the various Natural Resource subject matter areas as well as have the opportunity to attend administrative hearings, and circuit and appellate court cases. In addition, the law clerk will participate in field trips to State parks, forests, wildlands and/or waterways to learn about legal issues affecting these areas of the State.
The Maryland Department of Planning ("MDP") serves as an advisory, consultative, and coordinating agency on a range of matters related to land use and planning across the State, and is charged with promoting intergovernmental cooperation on land planning matters for the effective use of the natural and other resources of the State. Within MDP resides the Maryland Historical Trust ("MHT"), which is charged generally with preserving the historical and cultural resources of the State, and manages, among other things, grant, loan, tax credit and preservation easement programs in furtherance of its statutory charge.
In addition to general legal advice and counsel pertinent to administration of a State agency, AAGs with MDP are involved in a wide range of unique land use and planning issues related to coordinating local land use policy with the State's smart growth initiatives, and are intricately involved in all transactional and related legal work necessary for administration of MHT's preservation programs. MDP's AAG's also provide legal counsel to numerous State boards, commissions and other entities, including the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County, the Canal Place Preservation Authority in Cumberland, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture in Baltimore.
The People's Insurance Counsel Division represents the interest of Maryland Insurance consumers and has the authority to intervene before the Maryland Insurance Administration, courts, and legislature. The Division concentrates its efforts in four areas: (1) review of consumer complaints filed with the Maryland Insurance Administration relating to homeowners insurance and medical professional liability insurance; (2) review of rate, rule and form filings in those two lines of insurance; (3) review of proposed legislation and participation in the legislative process, as required, to represent consumer interests; and (4) review of "lack of good faith complaints" under Insurance Article Section 27-1001.
The Thurgood Marshall Opportunity Law Clerkship is a summer collaborative effort of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and several local law firms to attract diverse students who demonstrate not only a devotion to public service and the public good, but also exceptional leadership potential. The goal is to encourage these students to consider public sector service during their legal careers, and to provide these students with an excellent summer internship that enhances their future employment opportunities. Selected participants will serve in one of the several divisions at the downtown Baltimore location of the Office of the Attorney General. The clerkship program is 8 weeks and includes various receptions and events for the law clerks as well.
For more information please see the program guide and FAQs.
Apply for the Thurgood Marshall Opportunity Law Clerkship here.
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