Assistant Counsel (Attorney), Grant Services Specialist III - Department of Housing & Community Development

City of Baltimore•Benton, AR

12d

About The Position

The Environmental Law group provides legal advice and counsel to Baltimore City departments and agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works, in matters involving claims, litigation, subpoenas, Public Information Act requests, and routine administrative violations such as stormwater and erosion and sediment control violations. The position prepares and tries cases for Baltimore City and the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), represents DHCD in litigation and hearings, advises residents and property owners, and monitors changes to relevant policies, regulations, and legislation. This is a non-civil service grant position. Grant positions are not eligible for retirement benefits. The selected candidate must complete a mandatory six-month probation and, if the position is identified as a position of trust, a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting. The position also requires financial disclosure within 30 days of hire.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited college or university.
Admission to the Maryland Bar.
One to three years of experience in trial work, legal writing, and/or municipal law and practice before Circuit and District Courts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or equivalent, and eligibility to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit. Provisional licenses and learner permits are not accepted.
Upload a copy of a valid driver's license with the application.
Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures.
Knowledge of research techniques and methodology.
Skill in grant writing and grant administration.
Skill in formulating public policies.
Skill in coordinating responses from multiple public and private agencies, institutions, and community resource organizations.
Ability to plan, implement, and administer a high-level, high-profile special initiative program or project.
Ability to establish and maintain effective liaisons with people of varied backgrounds and with public and private community institutions and service providers.
Ability to handle emergency or crisis situations calmly, tactfully, and promptly.
Ability to promote program activities and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Supervisory and administrative experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare and try cases on behalf of Baltimore City and DHCD in Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts, state appellate court, and possibly federal courts.
Conduct legal research and provide legally sound advice to residents and property owners.
Defend DHCD in suits brought against the municipality in Circuit and District Courts.
Prepare briefs, interrogatories, motions, and other legal case documents.
Represent DHCD’s interests at hearings before boards, commissions, unions, and public and private organizations and groups.
Stay informed about policy, regulatory, and legislative changes affecting environmental regulations for Baltimore City and DHCD; advise on their impact and, where appropriate, draft a response.
Investigate facts, develop litigation strategies, and research and draft motions, pleadings, and position statements.