Assistant Counsel; NCS - Department of Housing and Community Development

Overview

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Annually

Hiring Salary Range: $81,097.00 - $ Annually

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City offers opportunities to drive social impact, while serving its citizens. We hire great people and provide the skills and opportunities to grow toward career aspirations. Explore opportunities and benefits programs. The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans.

Wellness programs, support groups, and workshops are available. Learn about benefits here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./benefits

Job Summary:

The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was created in 1968 to consolidate local community development efforts with housing and building code enforcement. With over 400 employees, DHCD strengthens City neighborhoods by attracting investors, developers, and home buyers. Through the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home funds, City bond funds, and other financing mechanisms, DHCD finances and guides strategic development projects to meet housing and neighborhood needs.

DHCD monitors construction and building activity and enforces the City s building, fire, zoning and related codes, as well as provides energy conservation services.

Title Attorney
The DHCD works with community groups and other stakeholders to address vacant buildings and lots. Utilizing legal tools such as tax sale foreclosure, judicial In Rem foreclosure, condemnation, and receivership, DHCD clears titles and returns properties to productive use. A title abstract creation and/or title examination is essential for DHCD s blight elimination goals. This class may involve leading paralegals but does not include full supervisory duties.

IN REM Attorney
An Assistant Counsel (In Rem) performs legal work related to Judicial in rem tax foreclosure procedures and other Circuit Court cases, including condemnation and tax sale foreclosure. The work may involve leading paralegals but not full supervisory duties. The role is hybrid, requiring some on-site work in an office environment with minimal physical exertion.

• Creating title abstracts, examining titles, and advising DHCD attorneys and staff on legal aspects related to real property titles.
• Drafting and reviewing documents related to the purchase and sale of real property (contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc.).
• Examining instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advising on legal requirements for titles.
• Searching and examining land records and writing opinions on titles.
• Preparing cases for filing and litigation when necessary.
• Coordinating development activities with Community Organizations, agencies, and partners.
• Performing legal research and rendering opinions; drafting agency agreements, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Administering procurement and service contracts; participating in vendor selection and contract monitoring; supervising paralegals as assigned.
• Representing DHCD before the Mayor and City Council on matters relating to property acquisition in District Court, Circuit Court, and appellate levels.
• Managing cases in Tax Sale Foreclosure, Condemnation, In Rem Foreclosure, and related theories; maintaining a large docket through judgment; representing DHCD in hearings and trials as required.
• Drafting, reviewing, and approving legal documents related to Real Property acquisition and disposition (deeds, mortgages, releases, contracts, land disposition agreements, settlement agreements, liens, etc.).
• Performing title examinations on abstracts, identifying defects, and advising on actions to obtain marketable, insurable titles.
• Drafting legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and Baltimore City Council; providing opinions on legislative actions and testifying as needed.
• Drafting and reviewing rules, regulations, and policies to carry out legislation and goals; representing DHCD before boards, committees, and community groups.
• Supervising, assigning, and reviewing the work of paralegals and other staff.

Education: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and must have passed the Bar Exam.

Experience: Two years of experience in trial work, legal writing, and/or municipal law.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of real estate laws, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws governing tax sale foreclosure and condemnation proceedings related to conveyance of title.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), with emphasis on Word and Outlook.
• Ability to search and underwrite titles for Baltimore City; report title for Baltimore real property; negotiate title insurance binders with title companies.
• Ability to research judgments and tax liens in Baltimore City; research probate and estate records; evaluate real estate…