Assistant Counsel, Title Attorney, Development Division (NCS) - Department of Housing & Community Development

Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

21h•$83,530 - $133,471•Onsite

About The Position

The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is seeking a title attorney – land management (Grant Service Specialist III) for its development division. The title attorney within the development/land management division performs title abstracts and title examinations to identify and locate all title interest-holders and identify and correct all title encumbrances and issues. Title attorneys will shorten the time necessary to prepare circuit court and district court cases for in rem foreclosures, tax lien foreclosures, condemnations, and receiverships. As required, title attorneys will also provide legal services, such as drafting and reviewing legal documents, and giving title-related advice, in support of DCHD’s purchase and disposition of properties in pursuit of its blight elimination goals. Work of this class may involve leading paralegals but does not involve full supervisor duties or responsibilities.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university and must have passed the Bar Exam (State of Maryland).
One year of experience in creating title abstracts, examining titles, title curative, advising other attorneys and real estate staff on legal aspects related to real property title, drafting and reviewing documents, such as contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc., related to the purchase and sale of real property.
Knowledge of real estate laws, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing rem foreclosure, tax sale foreclosure, and condemnation proceedings as they relate to the conveyance of title.
Knowledge of Microsoft office suite: word, excel, outlook and power-point, with at least an intermediate level of skill/experience in word and outlook specifically.
Ability to search and underwrite titles for Baltimore City.
Ability to report title for Baltimore real property and comment on or negotiate title insurance binders with title companies.
Ability to research judgements and tax liens in Baltimore City.
Ability to research probate and estate records.
Ability to evaluate real estate appraisal data.
Ability to review and evaluate title abstracts and reports.
Ability to conduct internet searches.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of governmental agencies, property owners and the public.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies, laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, staff of other agencies and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Creating title abstracts, examining titles, and advising other DHCD attorneys and real-estate staff on legal aspects related to real property titles.
Drafting and reviewing documents, such as contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc., related to the purchase and sale of real property.
Examining instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advise of the legal requirements in connection with titles.
Searching and examine land records and write opinions on titles.
Where necessary, preparing cases for filing and litigation.