Deputy Principal Counsel

About the Role

The Deputy Principal Counsel (Administrative Specialist 2G, Grade 31) serves as the Deputy Principal Counsel to the District Council, under the direction of the Council Administrator and Principal Counsel. This senior-level staff position has administrative responsibilities in support of the Council and provides expert legal counsel and representation on zoning, land use, and legislative matters impacting the District Council. The role requires independent judgment and knowledge of laws governing zoning, land use, and legislative authority at the local, state, and federal levels.

About the Agency

All legislative powers of Prince George’s County are vested in the County Council. The Council also sits as the District Council on zoning and land use matters and as the Board of Health on health policy matters.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal research, analysis, and advice to the Principal Counsel, District Council, Council Members, and Council Administrator on complex zoning, land use, legislative, and municipal law matters.
• Reviews and analyzes zoning and land use cases and provides legal recommendations regarding compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and Council rules.
• Attends District Council sessions and hearings to provide legal guidance and ensure proper legislative and quasi-judicial procedures are followed.
• Assists the Principal Counsel in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting legislation, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents.
• Represents the District Council in administrative, trial, and appellate proceedings by preparing and presenting legal motions, arguments, evidence, and witness testimony, as necessary and under the direction of the Principal Counsel.
• Conducts legal research and prepares briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
• Assists the Principal Counsel in evaluating litigation strategies, legal risks, and outcomes and developing recommendations for Council policies and actions.
• Coordinates with the Office of Law, outside counsel, government agencies, and expert witnesses on complex legal matters, as directed by the Principal Counsel.
• Maintains legal records, litigation files, and Council advisories and assists with ensuring continuity of legal matters.
• Performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed but are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Requirements

Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications listed below to be eligible for additional consideration:

• Master's Degree from an accredited College or University in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in legal research.

Qualifications

Highly qualified candidates may also demonstrate the following preferred qualifications:

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate.
• Experience with Public Policy and/or County Government.
• Strong experience in legal research, analysis, drafting, and interpretation.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex legal matters and meet deadlines.

Pay

The salary range for this position reflects the offer range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Additional Information

• Applications for this position will be capped at a maximum of 100 submissions.
• Tentative interview dates: Late August 2026 (subject to change).
• Job location: 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD.

Conditions of Employment:

• Upon selection, the candidate must meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Must successfully pass public safety preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
• This is an essential position; essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies.