Senior Counsel (10071, Grade 34)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking an experienced litigator to join our in-house team in Riverdale, Maryland. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage a high-impact, focused portfolio within a stable and highly collaborative legal environment.

While our primary need is in the area of tort defense, we welcome applications from versatile civil litigators with a strong track record in complex disputes. As a key member of the Office of the General Counsel, you will handle matters from initial liability advice through final resolution, providing sophisticated legal solutions for a diverse bi-county region.

Why Join Our Team:

Professional Autonomy: Manage a quality-driven caseload that allows for thorough, strategic legal work.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team of talented, low-ego professionals who value collective expertise and a supportive atmosphere.

Sustainable Pace: We offer flexible scheduling and a hybrid work model (two days per week remote) to support a true work-life balance.

Public Impact: Use your litigation skills to protect and advance the mission of a national leader in public parks and planning.

1. Litigate suits and appellate proceedings in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Commission’s Contract Review Committee, the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), and the Commission’s Merit Board.
2. Draft pleadings, motions, orders, discovery, agreements, case summaries, correspondence, policies and other legal documents and memoranda.
3. Advise the Commission, Planning Boards, Department Directors and Commission staff regarding liability and risk management, litigation and dispute management, statutory interpretation, constitutional questions, and legislation affecting the Commission’s operations.
4. Review for legal sufficiency the following types of documents: contracts, resolutions, memoranda of understanding, settlement agreements, and other instruments.
5. Work independently with limited supervision, exercise good professional judgment, and work well with in-house team members, in-house clients, and with outside counsel.

Our ideal candidate for has:

• A solid track record of first-chair experience handling complex litigation for private and public clients, along with a demonstrated familiarity with state or local government and/or administrative law.

• In-house experience managing client expectations while aligning competing priorities within a focused caseload.

• Significant experience with personal injury law, insurance, and counseling sophisticated clients on liability and damages exposure.

• A self-starter mentality, a desire and ability to take on and master new legal concepts and unfamiliar areas of law, as well as a dynamic, confident, professional style, supported by the technical ability to develop creative, legally sound solutions.

• A demonstrated ability to translate technical legal concepts into oral and written communication that connect with intended audiences.

1. Law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

2. Six (6) years progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, including two (2) years of specialized legal experience in land use, legal transactions, civil litigation, administrative litigation, or employment law.

3. A valid license, in good standing, to practice law in the state of Maryland, or in another state, subject to attainment of a valid license to practice law in Maryland during initial probationary period.

4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of their position.Classification Specification: Senior Counsel

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. 

Working Conditions: Works in office primarily, but on occasion will be required to travel to court and other offices. Intense pressure at times to meet deadlines.
 
The M-NCPPC offers an excellent benefits package, including a defined benefits retirement plan.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

Salary : $98,420 - $174,305