Introduction 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.
GRADE 14 This position offers a pay range of $25.80/hour - $37.48/hour, with potential for advancement up to $41.39/hour over time based on longevity and increased responsibilities. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, equity, and available budget, and will not exceed $37.48/hour.
LOCATION OF POSITION Office of the Attorney General 200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job 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.
OAG is seeking two Litigation Assistants to join its newly established Tort Litigation Unit within the Civil Litigation Division. The Tort Litigation Unit defends tort actions brought against the State, its agencies, and State personnel. The team defends automobile negligence, premises liability, other tort matters, and constitutional claims under the Maryland Tort Claims Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and other state and federal laws. The unit consists of a Unit Chief, Deputy Unit Chief, and seven Assistant Attorney Generals. Attorneys on the team appear in all state and federal courts in the State of Maryland.
The Litigation Assistants will support our attorneys in all phases of tort and personal injury defense litigation. Duties will include assisting with investigation, case management, taking and defending depositions, handling written discoveries, drafting briefs, and representing the State in court for motions, hearings, and trials.
POSITION DUTIES Key Responsibilities:
• Draft and prepare legal documents including pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, and correspondence
• Organize and maintain case files and litigation databases
• Assist with discovery management, including document collection, review, and production
• Summarize depositions, medical records, and other case documentation
• Conduct factual research and preliminary legal research
• Prepare materials for depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, insurance adjusters, and court personnel
• Schedule depositions, meetings, and maintain attorney calendars
• Assist with trial preparation and attend trials when necessary
In addition, the person selected for this position will be expected to help implement workflow procedures, including recommending new procedures, technology or filing systems where appropriate, and assisting in other daily operations of the unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two years of administrative staff or professional work experience organizing and maintaining litigation files, including pleadings, discovery materials, schedules, and tracking logs. Ideal candidates will be highly organized, capable of prioritizing multiple tasks, and demonstrate initiative in identifying and solving problems as they arise. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to produce consistent, high-quality work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This position also requires sound independent judgment and the ability to perform duties with limited supervision. Candidates must be independently proficient with Microsoft applications including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and related MS365 applications/functions.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will have:
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university. • Five years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant, preferably in tort or personal injury defense to include legal research and preparing legal documents, verifying legal citations, and references.
• Knowledge of Maryland and Federal court rules and procedures.
• Experience with MDEC and PACER filings.
• Experience with medical record review and summarization. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS Applicants who meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and answer all supplemental questions. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect/incomplete application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
BENEFITS Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. Please upload a resume in addition to the on-line application. If the online application process is not available, please email your paper application and supplemental questionnaire to careers@oag.state.md.us or fax to 443-681-1062. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
If you have specific questions about recruitment, email careers@oag.state.md.us.
The Office of the Attorney General 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.