Organization is now hiring a Staff Attorney, Transactions. This position is responsible for reviewing all agreements, contracts, Memoranda of Understanding, construction change orders, deeds, and solicitations for compliance with state law, regulation and Board of Education policy.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Review all contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, real estate documents, change orders and solicitations. Maintain a database of standard contract language for inclusion in all Board of Education agreements. Ensure that all contracts are compliant with best practices, Board policy, and Superintendent’s rules. Serve as primary contact for the Department of Physical Facilities and the Office of Purchasing in the negotiation and implementation of contracts. Assist the Department of Physical Facilities and Office of Purchasing in disputes with contractors and vendors. Maintain all Law Office contract files. Review all documents prepared in anticipation of trial on transactional matters or prior to release under subpoena or Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request. Provide support to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in all bid protests, administrative appeals or judicial actions involving contract or bid disputes. Regularly review judicial decisions, administrative agency opinions and newly enacted legislation. Provide support and guidance to administrators on contracts and agreements. Handle routine research, as necessary, on contract issues. Handle routine contracts correspondence and telephone interactions concerning legal issues. Ensure accurate tracking and recordkeeping for all contract and change order deadlines. Maintain database and/or central repository of all existing contracts. Maintain and monitor compliance with all Records Retention Schedules. Assist in complying with requests for records filed pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act or filed under court or administrative order. Draft pleadings and/or routine correspondence related to procurement litigation, as necessary. Represent the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. A minimum of three year’s legal work experience is preferred. Coursework, training, or experience in procurement or contracts is required. Experience in education law is desirable. Member of the Maryland State Bar required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including spreadsheet, database and word processing programs (Microsoft Office preferred). Knowledge of legal research (Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis), legal terminology, Maryland administrative law and appeal process, and statutes and regulations. Knowledge of procurement practices, procurement or construction law. Knowledge of governmental procurement and construction practices. Knowledge of MBE regulations and requirements. Knowledge of property law. Knowledge of Maryland State Education Law, Maryland State Board of Education cases, Baltimore County Public School organization and functions, and Board of Education policies and rules and state procurement processes. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be client focused and detail oriented. Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, a self-starter who can work independently on many diversified tasks simultaneously. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
The work of this class is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Duties can require travel to schools and facilities throughout Baltimore County.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
All persons employed by the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation completed. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US. If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214. Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to contract signing. Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing. All newly hired personnel must attend a Badges and Benefits session. Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.
