Chief Solicitor, Contracts (NCS) - Baltimore City Department of Law

Baltimore City•Cocoa, FL

10d•$127,000 - $151,000

About The Position

The Baltimore City Department of Law is hiring an attorney for its Contracts Practice Group, which advises City agencies on business transactions, contractual matters, and related legal issues. The work spans construction, finance, health, intellectual property, procurement, and public safety. Qualified candidates should be interested in educating clients and improving procurement processes and efficiency. The Chief Solicitor drafts and negotiates complex contracts, provides legal research and advice to City agencies, and evaluates transactional matters. The role also advances the Practice Group’s efficiency and knowledge base by developing standard legal instruments and subject manuals, training and guiding clients, and mentoring Assistant Solicitors and others in the Law Department. The position requires a law degree from an accredited law school, admission to the Maryland Bar, and at least seven years of relevant transactional experience. Appointment requires completion of a six-month probation. The position is subject to a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting for eligible candidates under final consideration, and requires financial disclosure within 30 days of hire.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland.
At least seven years of transactional experience, including drafting complex construction contracts, legal research and writing, and/or experience with business or municipal law.
Extensive knowledge of construction laws and practices.
Extensive knowledge of the Maryland Code, including Commercial Law, Corporations and Associations, Real Property, and Local Government Articles.
Working knowledge of applicable Baltimore City Code and Charter provisions and Federal, State, and City statutes and regulations.
Strong legal research and analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills for working with City agencies and the public.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to review numerous contracts and manage multiple priorities and client deadlines.
Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to mentor Assistant Solicitors and others within the Law Department.

Nice To Haves

Background in construction litigation is helpful.

Responsibilities

Draft, edit, and finalize complex contracts and related documents, ensuring proper form and legal sufficiency.
Conduct complex legal research and provide legal advice to City agencies.
Anticipate and identify legal concerns, issues, and potential defenses or causes of action.
Negotiate contracts on behalf of the City, considering anticipated benefits and costs.
Review, evaluate, and plan transactional matters objectively and strategically, in a timely manner.
Develop standard legal instruments and subject manuals to advance the efficiency and knowledge base of the Practice Group and City agencies.
Provide training and guidance to clients.
Mentor and assist Assistant Solicitors or others within the Law Department, and provide feedback to the Practice Group Chief about this assistance.
Prepare for and represent the City at construction bid protests and administrative hearings.
Advise on construction solicitations and address related legal issues.