Office of Law

County Solicitor

The County Solicitor is nominated by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.

The Deputy County Solicitor is appointed by the County Solicitor. The County Solicitor appoints and supervises the Assistants to the County Solicitor and support staff.

Services provided by the Office of Law include:

• providing legal advice to the Executive, the Council, and all County agencies, offices, boards, and Commissions

• representing the County and its agencies, officials and employees in all civil litigation matters, including code and regulatory enforcement

• representing the Maryland Department of Social Services in Children in Need of Assistance cases, Termination of Parental Rights cases, and Adult Guardianship cases

• reviewing County legislation

• reviewing and drafting contracts

• handling real estate transactions

• collecting overdue taxes, fines and fees

The Howard County Ethics Commission

The Howard County Ethics Commission consists of 5 members who are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The Commission is responsible for administering the Howard County Public Ethics Law with respect to all public officials, officers and employees. Some of the Commission's major functions include rendering advisory opinions, receiving and reviewing financial disclosure statements, investigating complaints, and receiving and reviewing lobbyist registration and activity reports. The Commission meets on an as-needed basis in both open and closed session. For more information, visit the Ethics Commission's webpage here.