Paralegal I

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is a customer-oriented agency dedicated to ensuring accurate property assessments, maintaining business records, and providing essential tax-related information to state agencies and local jurisdictions. The department's core functions are divided into three primary areas: Business Services, Real Property Valuation, and Property Tax Credits.

ASTD10

State Department of Assessments and Taxation

Business Services Unit – Charter Legal

700 E. Pratt Street, 2nd Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the efficient, timely, and professional handling of ground rent matters. This includes performing paralegal and administrative tasks related to SDAT’s ground rent program, such as reviewing documentation, processing payments, issuing refunds, and managing transactions. The role also involves responding to customer inquiries via email, phone, and in person. The employee will provide comprehensive support to the Legal Department, a team of corporate attorneys responsible for enforcing statutory mandates outlined in the Maryland Corporations and Associations Code Annotated. This position requires independent judgment and initiative in carrying out tasks assigned by the Supervisor/DPM and Program Manager, including organizing workflows, obtaining necessary documents, conducting legal research, and applying relevant Maryland ground rent laws. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to deliver outstanding customer service in alignment with the department's Customer Service Policy. This applies to all job responsibilities and includes interactions via phone, email, written correspondence, and face-to-face communication.

Handles the intake, processing, and legal review of ground rent in compliance with all applicable Maryland laws, regulations, and SDAT policies and procedures. Additionally, performs other assigned duties to support the efficient operation of the office.

Collaborates with SDAT staff to review ground rent filings, ensuring the efficient processing and administration of the ground rent program. Serves as a liaison between attorneys, paralegals, and other personnel to facilitate accurate and timely filings while addressing and resolving any conflicts as needed.

Provides guidance to the public via telephone, email, and in-person meetings on the requirements for successfully submitting a ground rent filing to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.

 Notes: 1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

 2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.

 3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who have one or more of the following skillsets or experience. Please ensure that your application clearly and specifically highlights these qualifications.

Paralegal certification from an accredited institution.

Previous experience in a legal, administrative, or government setting, preferably handling real estate, contracts, or corporate law matters.

Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, government agencies, and the public.
Proficiency in legal research tools and online databases.

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Must be willing to work in Baltimore City.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Class descriptions broadly define groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider the information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)

Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year

Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  

Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  

Pension - State employees earn credit for a retirement pension. 

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Office of Human Resources, 700 E. Pratt, 2^nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Paper application materials must be received by 5pm in our office on the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-767-1137, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.