THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$95,494.00 - $152,721.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range:

$95,494.00 – $124,107.00 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 senior 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.

This position will lead the three-attorney team co-located with and providing legal support to BPD’s Public Integrity Bureau.  These attorneys provide guidance to detectives investigating alleged misconduct and, where policy violations are found, represent the Department in presenting the case against the accused officer in administrative hearing boards and related civil proceedings.  The Chief Solicitor will perform all these functions and will oversee the PIB legal workflow.  The Chief Solicitor also will provide advice and counsel to BPD leadership on legislative issues and policy development, including support for Consent Decree reform implementation.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and try on behalf of BPD cases against police officers charged with misconduct or policy violations.  Such cases are adjudicated by administrative hearing boards consisting of five members, including two civilians and three sworn police officers. 
• Review investigatory materials compiled in anticipation of the administrative hearings and work closely with BPD’s Public Integrity Bureau to assist investigators as needed in a vertical prosecution model.
• Represent BPD in show-cause proceedings filed prior to disciplinary hearings and post-trial appeals of administrative hearing board decisions before the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. 
• Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions to BPD’s Public Integrity Bureau.
• Represent the BPD in Consent Decree implementation and provide advice and counsel in the development of policies, procedures, and legislative agendas relevant to the area of police misconduct investigations and discipline. 
• Represent the interests of BPD at hearings before boards, commissions, unions and various public and private organizations and groups.
• 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.
• Interact with sworn and civilian members of BPD as well as outside agency partners and opposing counsel on a daily basis.

Minimum Qualifications:     

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

AND 

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

OR 

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Substantial experience litigating administrative, civil, and/or criminal 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.  

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