Assistant Solicitor - Police Legal Affairs

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$83,530.00 - $133,471.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range:

$108,500.00 - $133,741.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary:  

The Law Department of Baltimore City is seeking a litigation attorney to join its Police Legal Affairs Practice Group.  The Police Legal Affairs Practice Group is responsible for the full spectrum of diverse legal requirements of the Baltimore Police Department (“BPD”).  This team manages an aggressive caseload of civil litigation matters and disciplinary hearings, while also providing advice and counsel to BPD on a variety of strategic and operational matters.

Two thirds of Legal Affairs’ roughly 12-attorney staff are located in BPD headquarters and defend litigation against BPD on a wide range of subjects including employment discrimination suits, wrongful convictions, excessive force, false imprisonment, and a variety of other civil cases.  With the current vacancy, the Law Department seeks an attorney who will be able to assist in the defense of the civil caseload.         

Essential Functions:

• Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions.
• Work both cooperatively on litigation teams and independently on less complex matters.
• Provide routine reports on status of assigned cases. 
• Defend BPD in lawsuits brought against the agency in both state and federal court; prepare briefs, conduct civil discovery, draft motions, and other legal case documents as needed.
• Investigate facts; develop litigation strategies; research and draft motions, pleadings and position statements; develop and present oral arguments.

Minimum Qualifications:     

Education: A law degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland is required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Demonstrated interest in litigation and, depending on experience level, experience litigating civil matters.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• The ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex matters.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with others, including with sworn members of BPD.
• The ability to work independently and meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks.
• The ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• A strong sense of ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various agencies.
• Strong organization and technology skills, including the ability to coordinate and conduct electronic discovery, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.
• A willingness to perform with minimal administrative support.

Additional Information 

Background Check                                        

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed. 

Probation 

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

Financial Disclosure 

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.  

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application. 

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER