Position Summary/Class Description
Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is legal workat the full performance levelas an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office ofthe State’s Attorney for Howard County. Work includes prosecuting cases on behalf of the State of Maryland in Howard County Circuit and District Courts.?
- This position is State-Authorized Exempt, which isrequiredor authorized by State law to be funded by Howard County, or is necessary to support the functionsof StateAgencies which arerequiredor authorized by the State to be supported by Howard County. Such positions are not considered employees of Howard County Government. An individual in a State-authorized exempt position servesin accordance withthe provisions of State law governing the position. Individuals selected for this position will serve at the pleasure of their appointingauthority.** ?
STARTING SALARY IS $85,796
Class Description
Performs professional level legal work at the entry level. Work includes assisting experienced attorneys in the practice of criminal or civil law and demonstrating proficiency in the independent handling of routine legal matters.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Criminal Case Review:
Evaluates prospective criminal cases to determine the adequacy and appropriateness of legal charges; drafts and prepares charging documents for prosecution.
Case Preparation
Interviews witnesses, conducts legal research, issues summonses, obtains documentary evidence, and prepares cases for trial; prosecutes matters in the Howard County Circuit and District Courts as an advocate for the State of Maryland.
Public And Agency Support
Responds to inquiries from the public and governmental agencies regarding criminal matters and legal procedures.
Legal Guidance
Provides legal advice to District Court Commissioners, the Howard County Police Department, and the Maryland State Police on criminal law and procedure.
Legal Research And Training
Reviews statutes, case law, periodicals, and legal publications to stay current on developments in criminal law; trains and supervises law students and interns assigned to the office; participates in intra- and inter-divisional staff meetings.
Interagency Collaboration
Serves as a liaison between the State's Attorney's Attorney Office and external agencies, organizations, and committees involved in the criminal justice system.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Required Education/Experience
- Law Degree from an accredited law school ?
- Admitted to practice and in good standing with the MarylandBar
Required Certifications, Licenses, And Registrations
Admitted to the Bar in Maryland.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of the legal profession.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal prosecution and court law and practices.
- Skill in interviewing and prosecutorial techniques.
- Skill in word processing and database programs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Language Skills, Mathematical Skills And Reasoning Ability
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, legal journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
02
Are you willing to accept the starting salary of $85,796?
- Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Do you possess a Law Degree?
04
Do you possess experience prosecuting criminal cases?
05
If you possess experience prosecuting criminal cases, please explain how you obtained this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
06
Have you been admitted to the Bar in Maryland? If so, include your bar license information in your application.
07
Please describe the techniques you would use in handling a heavy caseload?
08
Do you possess experience responding to inquiries from governmental agencies and the general public?
09
If you possess experience responding to inquiries from governmental agencies and the general public, please explain how you obtained this experience including your position title, dates of employment and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
10
Please describe any experience you possess with interviewing witnesses, conducting legal research and preparing cases for criminal prosecution.
11
Do you possess experience working in a Federal, State or Local government environment?
12
Do you possess experience reviewing prospective criminal cases to determine adequacy of legal charges and/or preparing charges for criminal cases?
13
If you possess experience reviewing prospective criminal cases to determine adequacy of legal charges and/or preparing charges for criminal cases, please explain how you obtained this experience including your position title, dates of employment and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
14
Do you possess knowledge of the principle and practices of the legal profession, criminal prosecution, court law and practices?
15
If you indicated you possess the professional experience addressed in the previous question, please explain how you obtained this experience include your position title, dates of employment and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See resume" is not an adequate response.
16
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?
- Beginner: Can create and edit basic documents, enter data, and use simple formatting.
- Intermediate: Can format complex layouts, use formulas/functions (e.g. VLOOKUP, pivot tables), and build presentations with transitions.
- Advanced: Can create macros, complex data models, advanced animations, and master templates.
- None
17
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
18
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
- Required Question
