Assistant County Attorney IIII, Chief of Claims Management - Non-Merit

This job announcement may close at any time. Applicants are advised to apply promptly. 

Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

Please submit your resume and writing sample.

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Office of Law.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.  

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. 

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

General Overview

An Assistant County III, Chief of Claims, oversees plans and coordinates the preparation and trying of court cases for the Baltimore County government. Work of this class involves supervising legal, professional, paraprofessional and office support staff.

Incumbents receive general supervision from a Chief of Law Practice, or Deputy County Attorney. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek. Work is performed in an office where normal working conditions are encountered. The work requires minimal physical exertion.

Essential Job Functions

The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class.  Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the agency.  This list is not inclusive.  A Position may require related duties not listed, if necessary to accomplish the work of the agency.

• Under the general supervision of the Deputy County Attorney, supervises liability and worker’s compensation claims against the Baltimore County Self Insurance Fund; supervises administrative staff (excluding attorneys) handling primarily first party and property damage claims; utilizes working knowledge within office setting, providing guidance and technical assistance in order to meet unit goals.  
• Tasks include but are not limited to:  reviews work of adjusters; including assignments; ensures claims assigned are handled within standards; provides guidance on such matters as responding to claimants, handling claims investigations, adjusting atypical claims; advises Deputy County Attorney and the Chief of Litigation on adherence to established performance standards, forwards routine complaints to the Deputy County Attorney as necessary.  Reviews and approves settlements within authority.  Reviews and approves claim denials.
• Reviews bills and corresponding reports related to claims to determine if the claim is compensable under State law and County policies; Supervises, documents and maintains detailed claims files.
• Evaluates data on claims forms with physician’s statements, police investigative reports, damage appraisal reports, and other records to ascertain the validity of claims, identifies claims of subrogation and pursues recovery of funds from third parties.
• Oversees the preparation of claims files for litigation and assists attorneys with additional investigation if needed. 
• Advises the County Attorney, County Administrative Officer, and other County agency agencies on potential risk exposure and hazards on County properties.   Provides detailed assessment to proper County Agency and recommends corrective or preventative measure to reduce accidents and injuries.
• Evaluates the performance of, disciplines and recommends the hiring, firing and promoting of subordinate claims, legal and office support personnel.
• Prepares and tries complex cases on behalf of the Baltimore County government in State appellate and Federal courts and the Circuit Court of Baltimore County; prepares briefs, interrogatives, motions and other documents necessary for the proper defense of the County.
• Advises and informs superiors on case trial proceedings, status and problems.
• Performs legal research and renders legal opinions of difficult and complex questions of law raised by City departments and agencies.

• Confers with County agency heads and personnel on legal matters and problems concerning their agency operations and business dealings.     

• Drafts and prepares complex legal documents including but not limited to contracts, deeds, leases, ordinances, collection letters and reports related to real estate transactions and tax sale properties.
• Attends and represents the interests of the County at hearings before boards, commissions, unions and various public and private organizations and groups.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Qualifications

• Admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in trial work, or transactional experience, including three (3) years of supervisory or equivalent experience. 

Education and Qualifications

• A law degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of law.
• Knowledge of Baltimore County Code and Charter provisions and appropriate Federal, State and City statutes.
• Knowledge of court procedures.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and sources.
• Knowledge of personal computers and commonly utilized business and legal software packages.
• Skill in trying complex court cases.
• Skill in preparing legal documents for submission and presentation in court.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related technology in the performance of duties.
• Ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to assist superiors in the development and implementation of administrative and legal operat­ing policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to manage a full caseload of trial cases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to assign, review and correct the work of subordinate staff.
• Supervisory and administrative experience.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.