Anthony G. Brown: Veteran & Maryland Attorney General
Anthony G. Brown is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during National Veterans and Military Families Month for his extraordinary career in service to both country and community. As Maryland’s first African American Attorney General and a decorated U.S. Army veteran, Brown brings an unwavering sense of duty, compassion, and leadership to every facet of public life. His combined experiences in military and legal service have informed a career dedicated to justice, equity, and the well-being of all Marylanders, especially those who have worn the uniform.
From helicopter pilot to Judge Advocate General, and from state legislator to chief legal officer of Maryland, Anthony G. Brown’s path reflects an enduring commitment to advocacy, accountability, and community service. As Attorney General, he has prioritized veterans’ legal protections and broadened access to justice for military families.
This Veterans Month, the FBA Maryland Chapter honors Attorney General Brown’s lasting contributions and his ongoing work to uplift those who serve.
Military Career: A Foundation of Leadership and Service
Anthony G. Brown began his distinguished career with the United States Army, graduating first in his flight school class at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served as a helicopter pilot with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed in Europe, where he built the leadership and discipline that would later guide his public service. After completing active duty, Brown pursued a legal education at Harvard Law School, earning his J.D. while maintaining his ties to the armed forces.
Following law school, Brown transitioned from the Army’s Aviation Branch to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He served as a military attorney in the Army Reserve and clerked for Chief Judge Eugene Sullivan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. In this role, Brown gained firsthand experience in military justice and appellate law, equipping him with the tools to advocate for service members on both constitutional and personal levels.
In 2004, while serving his second term in the Maryland House of Delegates, Brown was deployed to Iraq with the 353rd Civil Affairs Command. For ten months, he provided humanitarian relief in a war-torn region, offering legal and logistical support to communities in crisis. His service earned him several honors, including a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal. He retired in 2014 with the rank of Colonel, capping 30 years of military service.
Advancing Veterans’ Advocacy Through Legal Leadership
As Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown has drawn upon his military background to launch targeted initiatives for veterans and military families across Maryland. Recognizing the complex challenges faced by those transitioning out of active service, Brown has prioritized access to legal assistance, housing stability, and mental health resources for veterans. His office has worked to strengthen legal protections for service members in areas like consumer fraud, landlord-tenant disputes, and employment rights.
In keeping with his broader commitment to justice, Brown has advocated for reforms that advance racial equity, protect the environment, and expand public safety through gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. His work demonstrates how a veteran’s perspective can shape inclusive legal policies that serve all Marylanders, while paying particular attention to the needs of those who have sacrificed for the nation.
Under his leadership, the Office of the Attorney General has also increased outreach to veterans through partnerships with local nonprofits, bar associations, and state agencies. These collaborative efforts have ensured that veterans and their families receive the legal guidance they deserve, reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to those who serve.
A Legacy of Integrity, Service, and Public Impact
Through every chapter of his career, Anthony G. Brown has modeled what it means to serve with honor. His military achievements, from flight missions to civil affairs deployments, reflect profound personal courage. His legal and legislative work—whether in the courtroom, the State House, or the Attorney General’s Office—reflects a tireless commitment to protecting Maryland’s most vulnerable residents and promoting systemic reform.
Brown’s background allows him to bridge the military and civilian legal worlds with insight and empathy. He understands the structural and emotional challenges veterans face and has made it a priority to ensure they are not overlooked. His work not only supports today’s veterans but also helps shape a more just system for future generations of service members.
Whether advocating for survivors of domestic violence, strengthening civil rights enforcement, or expanding consumer protections, Brown’s leadership remains rooted in the values instilled through decades of military and public service. He continues to prove that veterans have the tools and perspective to lead meaningful change in the justice system.
Honoring Anthony G. Brown During National Veterans and Military Families Month
Anthony G. Brown exemplifies the highest standards of military and civic service. As a veteran, attorney, legislator, and Maryland’s Attorney General, he has led with conviction, compassion, and clarity of purpose. His legacy is one of breaking barriers, standing up for the underserved, and championing policies that honor both the sacrifices and needs of Maryland’s veterans and military families.
The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter is proud to recognize Attorney General Anthony G. Brown during National Veterans and Military Families Month. To learn more about veterans' legal advocates and engage with upcoming events honoring military service, visit the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter events page.
