“The Council is honored to confirm Mr. Markovs’ appointment, after serving as acting County Attorney for several months,” Council President Gabe Albornoz said. “We are confident that Mr. Markovs possesses the knowledge, experience and passion needed to tackle immense challenges and provide the County with valuable legal opinions. We look forward to continuing to work with him in his new and well-deserved position. We are grateful to have a committed public servant in this important role.” 

“John Markovs has been a stellar lawyer, litigator and adviser in Montgomery County’s Office of County Attorney for the past 15 years and he will be an incredible County Attorney and leader of OCA moving forward,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Office of County Attorney is a critically important office to both the government and the taxpayers. Not only do they defend the County against lawsuits; but they hold those who do harm to the County accountable as well. John has the experience, temperament, and staff to succeed in this position. I wish John and his family congratulations and thank the County Council for confirming his nomination.”

Mr. Markovs was appointed as acting County Attorney on Jan. 28, 2022, following the retirement of former County Attorney Marc Hansen. Prior to that, he served 15 years in the Office of the County Attorney, first as an associate County Attorney for more than five years and later as Deputy County Attorney for nearly a decade.  

County Attorney Markovs has served as the County’s lead attorney on major litigation cases, construction matters and real estate development. Mr. Markovs has extensive experience in the areas of commercial, corporate and bankruptcy litigation, employment law and real estate development and construction litigation. 

County Attorney Markovs previously served for 18 years in private practice at firms in Maryland, Virginia and California, including nine years at McMillan Metro, P.C. and six years with Adams, Porter & Radigan, Ltd. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. 

The County Attorney serves as the chief legal officer for Montgomery County. The Office of the County Attorney conducts all the legal business of the County, serves as legal advisor to the Council, the County Executive and all departments, agencies, boards and commissions of the County government.