Lead Counsel, Public Integrity Bureau - Chief Solicitor; NCS - Baltimore Department of Law

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This is a non-civil service position.

The Law Department of Baltimore City is seeking a senior litigation attorney to join its Police Legal Affairs Practice Group. The Police Legal Affairs Practice Group handles the full spectrum of legal requirements of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). The team manages an aggressive caseload of civil litigation matters and disciplinary hearings, while advising BPD on strategic and operational matters. This position will lead the three-attorney team co-located with and supporting BPD’s Public Integrity Bureau (PIB).

The PIB attorneys guide detectives investigating misconduct and represent the Department in administrative hearings and related civil proceedings. The Chief Solicitor will oversee PIB legal workflow and provide advice on legislative issues and policy development, including support for Consent Decree reform implementation.

• Prepare and try cases on behalf of BPD against officers charged with misconduct or policy violations, adjudicated by administrative hearing boards of five members (two civilians, three sworn police officers).
• Review investigatory materials for administrative hearings and assist PIB investigators in a vertical prosecution model.
• Represent BPD in show-cause proceedings and post-trial appeals before the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
• Conduct legal research and provide opinions to BPD’s Public Integrity Bureau.
• Represent BPD in Consent Decree implementation and advise on policies, procedures, and legislative agendas related to police misconduct investigations and discipline.
• Represent BPD at hearings before boards, commissions, unions, and other organizations; defend BPD in state and federal lawsuits; prepare briefs, drafting motions and other legal documents.
• Investigate facts, develop litigation strategies, draft motions and pleadings, and present oral arguments.
• Interact with sworn and civilian BPD members and external partners and opposing counsel on a daily basis.

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

Experience: At least five (5) years of litigation and strong trial experience, legal writing, and/or municipal law before Circuit and District courts. Background in criminal law, labor and employment, police disciplinary hearings or police litigation is highly desirable.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Substantial experience litigating administrative, civil, and/or criminal matters.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex matters.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with BPD personnel and others.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks.
• Maintain professionalism under pressure and take ownership of tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with the public and various agencies.
• Strong organization and technology skills, including electronic discovery and proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw).
• Willingness to perform with minimal administrative support.

Background Check: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization…