Benefits)

Harford County•Bel Air, MD

12d•$70,276 - $161,328

About The Position

The Department of Law is an Office of General Counsel for a Maryland local government. When fully staffed, the department has 9 attorneys and addresses legal issues for an employer of 1,500± employees. The successful candidate will obtain exposure to and be required to identify issues arising from many legal specialties including, but not limited to: administrative; agency; building codes and code enforcement; civil rights; constitutional; contract; employment; environmental; land use; zoning and subdivision regulations; ethics; housing and community services; and governmental immunities. With general direction from the County Attorney, an Assistant County Attorney must provide competent legal advice and representation to the Executive Branch and local government boards and commissions. Excellent skills in legal research, legal writing, and oral presentation are required. An applicant who is selected for interview should bring a writing sample composed entirely by applicant for submission and review. An Assistant County Attorney drafts and reviews legal documents, legislation, advice and counsel recommendations, and may draft pleadings and litigation papers. Harford County Government Core Values are essential to successful job performance and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.

Requirements

Competent legal writing and research skills
Good in-person verbal communication skills
Ability to spot legal issues, prioritize problem solving tasks and work under pressure and time deadlines
Willingness to litigate contested cases in administrative, State and Federal tribunals
Ability to communicate legal matters clearly, concisely and in a manner comprehensible to clients
A minimum of one (1) year of relevant legal experience is required
Juris Doctorate - Law
Must be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar
Ability to conduct research and present findings
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
Detail-oriented while grasping and advancing desired objectives and outcomes
Knowledge of negotiation strategy and tactics and conflict resolution techniques
Ability to find, interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules, regulations, standards, procedures and contracts
Knowledge of relevant Federal, State or Local laws, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of Maryland case and statutory law
Ability to persuasively present thoughts and ideas
Ability to solve problems by analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems
Ability to present matters clearly and concisely
Organizational skills including the capacity to anticipate issues and prioritize tasks, ability to manage multiple priorities or projects
Ability to critically evaluate and analyze information in written materials
Ability to manage clients and client expectations
A valid Class C non-commercial drivers license with no more than three (3) points
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position

Nice To Haves

Government representation experience preferred
Civil Litigation experience preferred
Land Use and Zoning experience preferred
Member in good standing in Federal bars preferred

Responsibilities

Provide competent legal advice and representation to the Executive Branch and local government boards and commissions
Draft and review legal documents, legislation, advice and counsel recommendations
Draft pleadings and litigation papers
Represent the interests of Harford County/the Executive Branch in legal disputes pending before administrative tribunals and in State or Federal courts
Represent the interests of Harford County/the Executive Branch before State or Federal agencies, boards, commissions and units of government in matters involving private sector businesses, citizen groups, and legislative bodies
Render legal advice to Executive Branch departments, agencies and officials
Conduct legal research and drafts agreements for departments and agencies funded by the County or within the Executive Branch
Draft, review and/or prepare formal comments and/or makes substantive recommendations with respect to proposed legislation, administrative rules and regulations and policies
Prepare and/or reviews necessary documents for real property acquisition, disposition and rental