Anne Arundel County Solicitor - Annapolis, MD

Anne Arundel County Office of Law

The County's Legal Counsel

The Anne Arundel County Office of Law, led by the County Attorney, serves as the legal representative and advisor for the county government. Located in the Heritage Office Complex on Riva Road, this department functions as a full-service law firm for the County Executive, the County Council, and all county departments, boards, and commissions. Unlike the Public Defender or State's Attorney, this office handles civil matters involving the county, including litigation, contract review, and legislative drafting.

Core Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory: Provides formal legal opinions to county officials to ensure government actions comply with local, state, and federal laws.
• Litigation: Defends the county in civil lawsuits, ranging from liability claims to zoning disputes and employment matters.
• Legislative Services: Drafts bills and resolutions for the County Council and reviews proposed legislation for legal sufficiency.
• Risk Management: Works to minimize the county's exposure to liability through proactive legal guidance and insurance management.

Important Public Information

It is important for the public to understand that the Office of Law does not provide legal advice to private citizens or represent individuals in court. Their sole client is the county government entity. Residents seeking legal assistance must contact private counsel, the Public Defender, or legal aid organizations. However, the office does process Public Information Act (PIA) requests and handles claims filed against the county.