PARALEGAL II

State of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave program

Hybrid work schedules

Professional growth

Flexible Spending Accounts

Free mass transit

Job summary

The Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment, seeks a Paralegal II to support attorneys with research and drafting in environmental law. The team handles hearings, enforcement actions, and litigation support in a high-volume office.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and three years of paralegal/legal assistant experience; substitutions for paralegal study or law school credits are allowed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents.
• Substitutions: paralegal studies credits or law school credits may substitute for experience.
• Military service substitutions for paralegal work may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and investigative tasks.
• Draft, format, and prepare documents such as notices, subpoenas, motions, and pleadings.
• Compile exhibits for hearings and enforcement actions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal document prep

Office administration

Communication

Calendar management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MDEC

PACER

Adobe Pro

Google Suite

Microsoft 365

Job description

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

ASTD12

This position offers a salary range of $52,354 - $74,785 with potential for advancement up to $82,572 based on qualifications, equity, and hiring guidelines. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $74,785.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Office of the Attorney General

Maryland Department of the Environment

1800 Washington Boulevard�

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Main Purpose of Job

The Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) is seeking applicants for a Paralegal II position. The unit provides legal services to the Department of the Environment in support of its mission to protect public health and the environment for the benefit of all Marylanders. MDE was created to protect and preserve the state's air, water and land resources and safeguard the environmental health of Maryland's citizens. MDE's duties also encompass enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, long-term planning and research. MDE provides technical assistance to Maryland industry and communities for pollution and growth issues and environmental emergencies.

The team consists of 30 Assistant Attorneys General, an Office Manager and two paralegals. The position will provide administrative and legal support to at least ten Assistant Attorneys General.

POSITION DUTIES

• Assist attorneys with legal and investigative research related to environmental laws, regulations, policies, and administrative rules.
• Research, drafting assistance, and formatting of legal documents such as correspondence, notices, subpoenas, motions, compliance letters, and administrative and civil pleadings.
• Compile exhibits for hearings, enforcement actions, and litigation.
• Maintain case files and databases and track litigation deadlines.
• Maintain and monitor calendars.
• Answer telephones.
• Maintain office resources.
• Communicate with courts, administrative tribunals, external counsel, the general public and other government agencies regarding case-related matters.
• Assist attorneys during litigation proceedings.
• Any additional duties related to working in a high volume law office

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.

Substitutions:

• Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.
• Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.
• Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Thirty credit hours or a certificate or degree in paralegal studies from an accredited college.
• Proficiency with database systems and familiarity with digital evidence management programs.
• Familiarity with MDEC, PACER, litigation procedures, court rules, filing requirements, and document management practices.
• Familiarity with case management and document tracking systems.
• Experience with Adobe Pro, Google Suite, and Microsoft 365 applications.

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.

Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list for at least one year. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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

Generous Leave Program:

• Annual Leave: 10–25 days per year based on service.
• Sick Leave: 15 days per year with unlimited carryover.
• Personal Leave: Up to 6 days per year.
• Paid Holidays: 12 state holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Provides at least 12 weeks of paid leave for personal medical needs, family caregiving, and qualifying military-related reasons.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Savings: Defined‑benefit pension plan plus 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement options.

Work–Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible work schedules available for many roles.

Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Additional Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, free mass transit (eligible areas), Employee Assistance Program, and access to SECU.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.