Voices from Across My Office: Commercial Division
At the Office of the Attorney General, we’re proud of the broad array of work we do on behalf of the District, and the hundreds of employees who make our agency run. “Voices from Across My Office” is a new blog series highlighting some of the people behind our efforts and the variety of work they do to support, defend, and stand up for District residents. This week’s spotlight is on the Commercial Division.
About the Commercial Division
The Commercial Division is the blood that keeps the heart of OAG and the broader DC government pumping. Divided into four Sections — Government Contacts, Land Acquisition & Bankruptcy, Land Use, and Tax & Finance — the Division maintains and operates the internal infrastructure necessary to keep our government running. Our dedicated attorneys and staff work to ensure that everyone — especially big corporations and developers — pays their fair share of taxes, that historic monuments and affordable housing properties are preserved, and that local government agencies can operate efficiently.
For example, Commercial Division staff was instrumental in ensuring that the plans to replace and realign the Fredrick Douglass Memorial Bridge — DC’s largest infrastructure project — across the Anacostia River could move forward. Now that the project is finished, communities East of the River will be further connected to the rest of our city.
Below are some of the unique and exciting members of our Commercial Division who work tirelessly on behalf of District residents.
Staff Spotlights
Name: Andrew Glover (with his dog, Scout)
Title: Assistant Attorney General, Land
Acquisition/Bankruptcy
Time At OAG: 12 years
Tell us about a previous job you had either related or unrelated to law that helps you in your current role?
Between undergrad and law school, I worked as a bike messenger. Riding my bike all over DC gave me a real appreciation of the District, its various neighborhoods, and the geography and fabric of this city. Knowing the neighborhoods is helpful when it comes to the affordable housing work we do.
What is a common misconception about your area of practice?
People might think we only push paper — but like I learned from my days on the bike, everything we do in our line of work has a tangible impact on residents. I love being able to see the physical manifestation of the work I do and see the positive impact it has on the community.
Why did you go into public service?
I firmly believe that the government has a duty to ensure that there is space for everyone. I’ve lived in this city for over 20 years and back when I first moved here, I rented a room for just $400 a month — you can’t find that today.
So, when I look around DC and see large swaths of it becoming unaffordable, I feel grateful that I get to do my part to ensure more residents aren’t unfairly pushed out. This city has such vibrant history, and it’s on all of us to help preserve it.
Name: Pearl Keng
Title: Case Manager, Tax & Finance
Time At OAG: 4 years
Tell us about your role at OAG.
Part of the case load I assist with is real estate tax assessment appeals. That involves defending the government’s tax assessment of commercial properties, which are owned mostly by LLCs and wealthy developers.
It’s important to do this work because everybody should pay their fair share to help make our city stronger.
How did you come to the practice of law?
As a first-generation immigrant, I always had a great appreciation for this country and the opportunities it afforded to me. My dad was a chemical engineer, but I decided to go the liberal arts route for college.
I found an entry-level job and went to law school at night — which took five years. When I graduated law school, I worked right away as a public defender.
Was there a previous job you had either related or unrelated to the law that helps you in your current job?
A waitress. When you work directly with the public, you learn that the customer is always right. That idea makes you both small and large at the same time. It has made me a better communicator and a more effective manager of my clients.
If you could have dinner with any person in the world, who would it be?
Former President Obama. But I’d probably be too star struck to actually have a conversation.
Name: Virginia Carliner
Title: Assistant Chief, Government Contracts Section
Time At OAG: 5 years
Tell me a little bit about your role and how it impacts District residents.
My Section provides procurement-related legal advice and support to District agencies. Along with the Section Chief, I help manage a fantastic group of attorneys who are dedicated to assisting District agencies during all stages of the procurement process.
Government procurement isn’t flashy, but our Section helps District agencies procure essential goods and services for District residents every day.
Did you have any previous jobs either related or unrelated to the law that help you in your current position?
Definitely. I worked for the General Services Administration (GSA) where I was counsel for the Public Building Service’s Office of Design and Construction. After the passage of the 2009 stimulus bill, which provided extra dollars for construction, I worked with a team to develop standardized construction contracts that facilitated a streamlined and efficient procurement process, allowing those construction projects to get started. It’s gratifying to know that GSA still uses updated versions of those contracts today. Although much of my background is in construction contracts, specifically, my experience allows me to advise District agencies on a wide range of procurement issues.
Procurement law seems kind of niche. How did you get into that?
My father is an architect, and I grew up around floor plans and construction sites. It was only after law school that I appreciated the extent to which contracts are integral to making design and construction projects happen. If a project goes well, no one thinks about the details of the contract. But if there are problems or issues, a comprehensive contract will provide the framework for resolution.
Contracts are like puzzles with many pieces — the program’s requirements, pricing, terms and conditions, all weighed against the risks and responsibilities of the parties — and every piece must fit together to create a strong agreement that achieves the best value for District taxpayers. Every procurement is unique, and I enjoy advising District agencies as they work through the details.
What might someone find you doing on the weekend?
Smoking a brisket or pork shoulder, weeding in the garden, going on family bike rides, and having tea parties — of course.
