Senior Counsel

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE

EMPLOYEES’ AND ELECTED OFFICIALS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEMS

POSTING DATE:

11/07/2024

SALARY RANGE:

$79,507.00 - $127,043.00, ANNUALLY

BACKGROUND CHECK

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed. 

PROBATION

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory 6-month probation.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The City of Baltimore Employees’ and Elected Officials’ Retirement Systems and the Retirement Savings Plan (Retirement Systems) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Counsel. Under the general supervision of the City Solicitor and General Advice Counsel, the successful incumbent will provide legal advice and counsel to, and otherwise represent, the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director of the Employees’ Retirement Systems and the Retirement Savings Plan, in the absence of General Advice Counsel, in the following areas:

• Disability Claims Administration
• Investment Policy and Procurement
• Plan Administration
• Legislation
• Litigation
• Board Governance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In the absence of General Advice Counsel, directs and advises the Executive Director, and Board of Trustees on a range of matters, including recoveries of investment losses, resolution of plan member services management and administration issues.
• Conducts legal research and renders legal opinions pertaining to the administration of three (3) trust funds: Employees’ Retirement System (ERS); Elected Officials’ Retirement System (EOS); Retirement Savings Plan (RSP).
• Assists the General Advice Counsel in drafting and negotiating contractual agreements with investment managers and vendors.
• Corresponds with various stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees and City Council members, regarding distribution of benefits and investment inquiries.
• Drafts, prepares and reviews various legal documents for legal sufficiency.
• Assists in evaluating investment guidelines and drafting department forms.
• Conducts legal review of City, State, and Federal legislation to ensure full understanding and compliance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education: A law degree from an accredited law school and

Experience: Four (4) years of litigation and trial experience or municipal law and practice before

State appellate courts or Federal courts.

LICENSE, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland is required

A valid Maryland Class C, Noncommercial driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state driver’s license acceptable to the Division of the Office of Risk Management is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of Federal and State laws, with a specific familiarity with the Internal Revenue Code and employee benefits law.
• Ability to understand and effectively use internal IT applications and software, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various City agencies.
• Ability to prepare and litigate cases of varying complexity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage large caseloads and juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

BENEFITS

The City of Baltimore offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Financial Disclosure:

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. 

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER