Posting Date: February 27, 2026
Closing Date: March 13, 2026
Job Title: Principal Counsel
Position Type: Full-Time, Regular
Salary: This position offers a salary range of $126,914 - $179,430, with potential for advancement up to $198,107 based on qualifications, equity, and hiring guidelines. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $179,430.
Location: Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Higher Education Commission 217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 2100, Baltimore, MD 20202
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 OAG is seeking applicants for the position of Principal Counsel for the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). MHEC is the State's higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland's public and private colleges and universities, as well as for for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers more than $100 million annually through financial aid programs that help students achieve their higher education goals.
The Principal Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to MHEC and its staff, supporting policy development and strategic guidance on complex legal matters affecting higher education in Maryland. This position plays a critical role in advising MHEC leadership and staff on a broad range of legal issues, including compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including administrative law, constitutional law, laws governing higher education, and state transparency laws such as the Maryland Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.
Core responsibilities include reviewing and interpreting statutes, regulations, and policies affecting higher education institutions and programs; reviewing procurements, contracts, data sharing agreements, and grant agreements; and overseeing legal support, including providing oral and written advice, for agency programs such as financial aid administration and the approval of new colleges, universities, and academic programs. The Principal Counsel also represents MHEC in administrative hearings and court proceedings, coordinates with other state agencies and stakeholders on legal matters and manages overall legal strategy for the Commission. This position leads, develops, and supervises one Assistant Attorney General.
EXPERIENCE: The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of legal experience including substantial experience in administrative law, regulatory compliance, and litigation. Strong leadership and management skills are essential, along with excellent written and oral communication abilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide practical, strategic advice. Preferred qualifications include experience with higher education law and policy, familiarity with state government operations and legislative processes, and prior supervisory experience in a legal setting.
SUBMISSION: Interested persons should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three references, all in PDF format, to Sharon Merriweather, Deputy Attorney General via Chinequa Powell, Executive Assistant at [email protected] by March 13, 2026. Please write “Principal Counsel – MHEC" in the subject line 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.