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

Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

19d•$67,687 - $117,791

About The Position

The Assistant Counsel (Attorney), Grant Services Specialist III, is a non-civil-service position with the City of Baltimore’s Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). The job summary describes the Environmental Law group, which provides legal advice and counsel to City departments and agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works, on claims, litigation, subpoenas, Public Information Act requests, and routine administrative violations, including stormwater and erosion and sediment control violations. The attorney prepares and tries cases for Baltimore City/DHCD in state trial and appellate courts and potentially federal courts; advises residents and property owners; defends DHCD in municipal lawsuits; and represents DHCD at hearings and other proceedings. The role also involves tracking changes to policy, regulations, and legislation affecting environmental regulations, investigating facts, developing litigation strategies, and preparing legal filings and other written materials. The listed salary range is $67,687–$117,791 annually, with a hiring salary range of $67,687–$97,739 annually. Grant positions are not eligible for retirement benefits. Selected candidates must complete a mandatory six-month probation. The position requires a financial disclosure within 30 days of hire and, for candidates under final consideration for positions identified as positions of trust, successful completion of a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting.

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.
Complete a mandatory six-month probation if selected.
Submit an initial financial disclosure within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Prepare and try cases on behalf of Baltimore City/DHCD in Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts, the 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.
Attend hearings before boards, commissions, unions, and public and private organizations and represent DHCD’s interests.
Monitor changes in policy, regulations, and legislation affecting environmental regulations for Baltimore City/DHCD, advise on their impact, and potentially draft responses.
Investigate facts, develop litigation strategies, and research and draft motions, pleadings, and position statements.