JOB
This posting will be used to fill a full-time permanent Attorney I position within the Office of Law. The primary responsibility of this position will be to provide advice and assistance to various County agencies and departments regarding Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA") requests and responses thereto, including advice on whether a request under the MPIA seeks specific material is privileged or otherwise exempt from production. This position may also have civil litigation responsibilities in MPIA, general tort, and contractual matters. An attorney in this position is expected to provide clear, well-reasoned written communications.
Nature and Variety of Work
Work assignments involve handling matters and legal advice related to the Maryland Public Information Act, as well as research, analysis, and discussing matters before providing a legal opinion and the complexity of case assignments involves preparing memoranda, pleadings, and discovery; and appearing before administrative hearing agencies, and Circuit and District courts. Assignments are based on general guidance, and considerable latitude is given to preparing for cases and working with the parties involved.
Work performed is evaluated by a higher-level attorney. An employee in this class may be the legal specialist in a specific subject matter discipline and/or provide varied legal services and advice for a number of County departments or agencies.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Examples of Duties
Provide advice and assistance to various County agencies and departments regarding Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA") requests and responses thereto, including advice on whether a request under the MPIA seeks specific material is privileged or otherwise exempt from production.
Civil litigation responsibilities in MPIA, general tort, and contractual matters.
Analyzes legal issues and recommends disposition;
Performs related duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of:
The common law and of county, state, and federal laws and precedents, with particular reference to the subject area of the assignment
Judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence
Principles, materials, methods, and practices of legal research
Civil pleadings and of effective techniques in the trial of cases in court
Ability to:
Analyze legal issues, facts, evidence, and precedents in difficult cases and to present such materials effectively in oral or written form
Analyze and interpret legal documents and instruments
Prepare contracts, other legal instruments, and court presentations with high effectiveness
Deal tactfully and effectively with county officials, court officials, and the public
Operate a personal computer.
Provide clear, well-reasoned written communications.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Preference will be given to applicants with recent experience with the MPIA and in administrative hearings or civil trials in the Maryland District or Circuit Courts.