Assistant Counsel, Title Attorney, Development Division (NCS) - Department of Housing & Community Development

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$83,530.00 - $133,471.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range:

$83,530.00 - $98,000.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome 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 are 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/benefits

Job Summary

The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was created in 1968 and leads City efforts to promote thriving neighborhoods through community revitalization investments; supporting homeowners; funding critical programs and neighborhood stakeholders; creating and preserving affordable housing; and ensuring safe conditions through code enforcement. The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development is seeking a title attorney - land management (Grant Service Specialist III) for our development division. The title attorney within the development/land management division performs title abstracts and title examinations to identify and locate all title interest-holders and identify and correct all title encumbrances and issues. Title attorneys will shorten the time necessary to prepare circuit court and district court cases for in rem foreclosures, tax lien foreclosures, condemnations, and receiverships. As required, title attorneys will also provide legal services, such as drafting and reviewing legal documents, and giving title-related advice, in support of DCHD's purchase and disposition of properties in pursuit of its blight elimination goals. Work of this class may involve leading paralegals but does not involve full supervisor duties or responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Creating title abstracts, examining titles, and advising other DHCD attorneys and real-estate staff on legal aspects related to real property titles.
• Drafting and reviewing documents, such as contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc., related to the purchase and sale of real property.
• Examining instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advise of the legal requirements in connection with titles.
• Searching and examine land records and write opinions on titles.
• Where necessary, preparing cases for filing and litigation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university and must have passed the Bar Exam (State of Maryland).

AND

Experience: Have one year of experience in creating title abstracts, examining titles, title curative, advising other attorneys and real estate staff on legal aspects related to real property title, drafting and reviewing documents, such as contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc., related to the purchase and sale of real property.

OR

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of real estate laws, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing rem foreclosure, tax sale foreclosure, and condemnation proceedings as they relate to the conveyance of title.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite: word, excel, outlook and power-point, with at least an intermediate level of skill/experience in word and outlook specifically.
• Ability to search and underwrite titles for Baltimore City.
• Ability to report title for Baltimore real property and comment on or negotiate title insurance binders with title companies.
• Ability to research judgements and tax liens in Baltimore City.
• Ability to research probate and estate records.
• Ability to evaluate real estate appraisal data.
• Ability to review and evaluate title abstracts and reports.
• Ability to conduct internet searches.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of governmental agencies, property owners and the public.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies, laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, staff of other agencies and the general public.

Additional Information

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 6-month mandatory probation.

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. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

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 accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER