Supervising Attorney, Department of Human Services, Washington County Department of Social Services

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 OAG is seeking applicants for a Supervising Attorney to represent the Department of Human Services (DHS), Washington County Department of Social Services (WCDSS). 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 WCDSS, which delivers critical services including child welfare, adult protective services, and assistance for vulnerable individuals.  

The position represents the WCDSS in child welfare and adult guardianship matters. The Supervising Attorney will oversee an attorney and a paralegal in office, as well as another attorney in a neighboring jurisdiction and provide guidance, support, and performance oversight to ensure effective legal representation for WCDSS.  This position represents WCDSS in the circuit court in child welfare proceedings, including Child in Need of Assistance (CINA), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and Adult Guardianship cases.

In addition to court representation, the position provides legal advice and counsel on child welfare and adult services matters, manages responses to subpoenas and records requests, and occasionally represents WCDSS in administrative appeals before the Office of Administrative Hearings. The role also involves coordination with community partners, including judges, magistrates, the clerk’s office, law enforcement, and other stakeholders, to ensure timely litigation of child welfare and adult guardianship cases in compliance with state and federal laws. The core purpose of this role is to handle high-stakes, fast-paced court proceedings that protect vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect. 

Finally, the Supervising Attorney performs various administrative functions that are required for state employees, including monitoring and approving leave requests and timesheets, and conducting periodic performance reviews of the other attorneys and staff in the office.  This position offers a meaningful opportunity to lead a dedicated legal team while making a direct impact on the lives of children and families in need.

As part of a statewide OAG team representing local social services departments, this position works in close coordination with a state-level support team. While you will operate with a high degree of autonomy as the regional supervising attorney and managing the local county office, you will remain fully connected to the agency's broader resources. You are backed by a network of Maryland child welfare legal practitioners. 

Classification: Assistant Attorney General IV

Experience:The ideal candidate will have at least six years of litigation experience and a minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.  Candidates must have a proven ability to work independently, manage client expectations, and develop and implement legal strategies that lead to favorable outcomes. Experience in family or civil law and proficiency with the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system is helpful but not required. Membership in the Maryland Bar is required. 

Pro Bono Commitment: The Office of the Attorney General expects its attorneys to demonstrate a sustained commitment to pro bono service. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of meaningful pro bono engagement or a sincere interest in pro bono work as a professional obligation. Once hired, Assistant Attorneys General are expected to fulfill that commitment throughout their employment with the Office through active participation in OAG’s Stephen H. Sachs Pro Bono Program or other qualified opportunities. The OAG supports attorneys in meeting the goal set by the Maryland Supreme Court, MD Atty Rules § 19-306.1(b), by allowing up to 50 hours work-time to be used for approved pro bono activities.

Submission: Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please note that this job posting will come offline at 6:00 p.m. EST on the closing date.

Telework: This position is not immediately available for telework but may become telework eligible after six months. 

Employment Benefits: Working for the Office of the Attorney General offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health and well‑being.

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.

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.