Closing Date: October 26, 2025
Job Title: Deputy Principal Counsel
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Salary: This position offers a salary range of $126,914-179,430 with potential for advancement up to $198,107 over time based on longevity and increased responsibilities. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and will not exceed $179,430.
Location: Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Transportation Authority
2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224
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 Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is a state agency responsible for financing, constructing, maintaining, and operating Maryland’s toll facilities, including highways, bridges and tunnels. Since the tragic allision and collapse of the Key Bridge, MDTA has engaged in a progressive-design build procurement process to secure a vendor for Phase 1 design and early work packages for pre-construction and demolition. The MDTA continues to coordinate with State and federal partners on funding, environmental reviews, and permits.
The Office of the Attorney General is seeking an experienced and dynamic attorney to serve as Deputy Principal Counsel to MDTA. This key leadership role will provide, coordinate, and oversee comprehensive legal representation and advice for the MDTA, including the MDTA Board and MDTA Police.
The Deputy Principal Counsel regularly advises the MDTA Board on corporate governance issues including compliance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. This position also serves as a legal advisor to the MDTA Police regarding compliance with laws, updates to policies, training, and police disciplinary matters. This position will provide advice related to the Key Bridge Rebuild, contracting for Phase 2 construction, and coordination with assistant counsel to represent the State and MDTA in pending federal litigation. Additionally, this position advises on complex financial issues and in coordination with assistant bond counsel serves as the issuer’s counsel for tax-exempt toll revenue bonds. The Deputy Principal Counsel advises the MDTA on issues related to tolling, toll collections, E-ZPass matters, complex litigation, public-private partnerships (P3s), and Project Labor Agreements (PLAs).
Deputy Principal Counsel supervises and oversees all legal work at MDTA. The MDTA attorneys also represent the agency in all related litigation matters in the state and federal courts and administrative tribunals. The Deputy Principal Counsel will confer with the attorneys on the substance and strategy of their work while handling their own docket of advice, transactional matters and/or litigation. The Deputy Principal Counsel will provide regular feedback to staff regarding their performance and encourage a high level of collaboration, productivity, teamwork, moral and professionalism among staff.
EXPERIENCE: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience, including significant experience with State or public procurement, finance and land acquisition/real estate matters. Maryland Bar required.
SUBMISSION: Interested persons should submit their resume with a cover letter, writing sample, and list of references via email to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Principal Counsel Christopher L. Fontaine at [email protected] with a copy to Office Manager Christina Ackerman at [email protected]. Please write “MDTA Deputy Principal Counsel” in the subject of the 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