Senior Counsel

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONCITY OF BALTIMORE, EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEMSSALARY RANGE: $81,097.00 - $129,584.00, ANNUALLYGet to Know UsWelcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefitsSUMMARY OF POSITIONThe 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 general supervision of the City Solicitor and ERS General Counsel (General 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 the General Counsel, in the following areas:Disability Claims AdministrationInvestment Policy and ProcurementPlan AdministrationLegislationLitigationBoard GovernanceESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSIn the absence of General 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 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 REQUIREMENTSEducation: A law degree from an accredited law school andExperience: Four (4) years of litigation and trial experience or municipal law and practice before State appellate courts or Federal courts.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSGovernmental Pension System ExperienceLICENSE, REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION 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 ABILITIESWorking 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.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.Additional InformationBackground CheckEligible 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 a Fingerprint screening must be successfully completed.ProbationAll persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.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 based on 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. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER