Law Clerk, Maryland Cannabis Administration, Summer 2027

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 a motivated and detail-oriented Law Clerk to support the legal teams in advancing the mission of public service and justice. This position supports the specialized unit that represents and advises the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC).

As counsel to these agencies, this unit navigates complex, rapidly evolving areas of state and federal law. The legal team provides general counsel, litigation defense, and regulatory advice to assist the MCA and ATCC in overseeing licensing, enforcement, and safe expansion of Maryland’s adult-use and medical cannabis markets, as well as the regulation of alcohol and tobacco industries. The unit regularly drafts and interprets regulations, advises on licensing and disciplinary actions, prosecutes violations by licensees, handles administrative appeals, and provides guidance on statutory mandates concerning public health, safety, and industry compliance.

The OAG unit at the MCA/ATCC is composed of one Principal Counsel, two Deputy Principal Counsels (one assigned to MCA and ATCC respectively), four Assistant Attorneys General, one Officer Manager, and one Administrative Officer.

This is an excellent opportunity for current law students to gain hands-on experience in government legal practice, including litigation, regulatory compliance, and policy development.

As a law clerk you will:

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on a wide range of legal issues, including novel questions of statutory interpretation and administrative law in regulated industries.

• Assist in the preparation of legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs
  Review and summarize case files, complex licensing applications, contracts, and administrative records.

• Support attorneys in litigation and administrative hearing preparation, including discovery, exhibit organization, and trial preparation.

• Attend hearings, administrative proceedings, and meetings as appropriate.

• Assist with legislative and regulatory review and analysis, particularly concerning Maryland’s evolving cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco regulatory frameworks.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the legal team

• Attend site visits with the MCA unit to licensed cannabis businesses/facilities & participation in an ATCC law enforcement ride along.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school

• Strong legal research and writing skills

• Demonstrated interest in public service, administrative law, or litigation

• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines

• Familiarity with Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other legal research tools

• Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to ethical legal practice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a public law, legal clinic, or government agency
  Coursework in administrative law, constitutional law, or public interest law (e.g., food and drug law)

• Familiarity with Maryland law, the Maryland Administrative Procedure Act, and court procedures

• Offer letters will be sent out by April 16, 2027
• Summer 2027 start dates are May 17, May 24, & June 7, 2027
• Summer 2027 end dates are July 23 - August 20, 2027

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship; however, students may be able to receive externship credit depending on their school’s policies.

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: Hybrid Work – Two in-office days weekly.

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.