Deputy People's Counsel

The People’s Counsel is established in the Baltimore County Charter Sec. 524.1. as an appointee of the County Executive. The People’s Counsel represents the interests of the public in general in zoning and land use matters, is subject to confirmation by the County Council, and serves until the time that he or she resigns or has been removed as provided by the Charter.

This is an appointed,  part-time position.

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.  Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.
 
You must attach a copy of your degree(s), transcript(s), professional license(s) and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
 
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.

Please attach your resume and copy of your transcript or degree(s) with this application.

NOTE:   Interested candidates may also send a cover letter and resume, directly to:
ohremployment@baltimorecountymd.gov  Please state in the subject line, the title of the position for which you are applying.

Definition of Responsibility
Represents the interests of the public in general in zoning matters. In defense of the zoning maps or master plan, may appear as a party in interest before all state and federal agencies, boards and courts on matters involving the preservation of the quality of the air, land, and water resources of Baltimore County, and may initiate proceedings in the public interest.

Essential Job Duties

• Defense of comprehensive zoning maps.
• Defense of the master plan and protection of the air, land and water resources of Baltimore County.  
• Defend in any matter or proceeding pending or involving zoning reclassification and/or variances from or special exception under the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations, that are considered to be in the public interest. 
• Shall have all the rights of counsel for a party in interest, including the right to present the case, to cross examine, to object, to be heard, and to file and pursue an appeal from any order or act of the Administrative Law Judge or of the County Board of Appeals to the courts as an aggrieved party pursuant to the Charter to promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of the community. 
• The People's Counsel may apply, before any state or federal court, for injunctive and other relief incidental, to enjoin violation of any Baltimore County zoning maps or master plan or as authorized by resolution by the county council.
• Shall conduct such investigations as may deemed necessary to perform the duties.
• Shall have full access to the records of all county agencies, be able to get assistance from county employees, and have the benefit of all other facilities or information of the county to carry out the duties.
• May hire experts in the fields of Planning, Zoning, Traffic, Engineering, Ecology and Architecture to the extent that County personnel cannot be utilized, and to provide compensation and/or expenses of these experts as provided in the annual budget.
• Appear as a party before local, state, and federal administrative agencies and courts, on behalf of the public in general in land use and environmental cases. 
• Pursues appeals to the Circuit Court and to the Appellate courts.
• Investigates special situations dealing with land use. This may take the form of site visits, consultations with various experts in or out of the county, legal or other research. 
• Enters an appearance in all cases involving reclassifications, petitions for variances, special exceptions, and special hearings; as well as other land use related matters, to determine if legal involvement is appropriate. Standards for involvement are based on the possibility of broad public impact; adverse effect on the public health, safety, and welfare; establishment of important precedent for the future; and the existence of significant legal issues.

Required Training and Experience
A law degree from an accredited law school. The People’s Counsel is required to have been actively engaged in the practice of law for at least five (5) years prior to appointment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of law.
• Knowledge of the 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 preparing legal documents for submission and presentation in court and administrative proceedings.
• 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 clearly, both orally and in writing.
• 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 other staff. 

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification essentially sedentary and may involve frequent operation of office equipment such computer terminals and photocopiers.
 
Employment Background Investigation
May be required to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, including checks of criminal background, education, and fingerprints.

May be required to complete an expanded background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological examination.