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

City of Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 98,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Baltimore seeks an attorney for the Law Department's Contracts Practice Group. The role focuses on advising City agencies on business transactions, procurement, and complex contracts, with strong emphasis on construction matters.

Qualified candidates will have a J.D., Maryland Bar admission, and at least seven years of transactional experience. Excellent research, negotiation, and mentoring skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Requirements include a law degree and active Maryland bar admission.
• Strong knowledge of construction law and local government codes.
• Experience with complex contracts and transactional matters.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit and finalize complex contracts and related documents with precision.
• Conduct legal research and provide advice to City agencies.
• Negotiate contracts and review transactional matters for efficiency.
• Mentor junior solicitors and support staff within the Law Department.
• Represent the City at bid protests and administrative hearings.

Education

Juris Doctor / law degree

Admission to Maryland Bar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Westlaw

Job description

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

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range: $98,359.00 - $157,302.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range: $127,000.00 – $151,000.00 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 has an attorney opening in the Contracts Practice Group. The Practice Group advises all City agencies on business transactions, contractual matters and associated legal issues. Issues are wide ranging and include matters related to construction, finance, health, intellectual property, procurement, and public safety matters.

Qualified candidates should have an interest in educating clients and improving current procurement processes and efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Draft, edit and finalize complex contracts and related documents, ensuring proper form (format, grammar, and clarity) and legal sufficiency (necessary contractual language and approvals).
• Perform complex legal research and render legal advice on questions that are raised by City agencies.
• Proactively anticipate/identify legal concerns, issues and potential defenses/causes of actions.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the City with consideration to anticipated benefits and costs.
• Objectively and strategically review, evaluate and plan transactional matters in a timely manner.
• Advance the efficiency and knowledge base of the Practice Group and City agencies by developing standard legal instruments and subject manuals and providing training and guidance to clients.
• Conduct mentoring and assistance to Assistant Solicitor(s) or others within the Law Department and provide feedback to the Practice Group Chief about this assistance

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of transactional experience, including drafting complex construction contracts, legal research and writing and/or experience with business and/or municipal law.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of construction laws and practices (background in construction litigation is helpful).
• Extensive knowledge of the Maryland Code (e.g., Commercial Law, Corporations and Associations, Real Property, and Local Government Articles).
• Working knowledge of appropriate Baltimore City Code and Charter provisions and Federal, State and City statutes and regulations.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to work with City agencies and the public.
• Ability to prepare for and represent the City at construction bid protests and at administrative hearings.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to review numerous contracts and manage multiple priorities and deadlines from clients.
• Ability to advise on construction solicitations and address legal issues.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to mentor Assistant Solicitors and others within the Law Department.

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