PARALEGAL I

Introduction

Business Charter Legal processes ground rent redemptions. Under this program homeowners can redeem the ground rents on their residencies where the ground rent holder can not be located. The unit also implemented a ground rent registration system where ground rent lease holders can register their ground rents with the State.

GRADE

ASTD10

LOCATION OF POSITION

State Department of Assessments and Taxation

Business Services Unit â Charter Legal

700 E. Pratt Street, 2nd Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is seeking a highly organized and customer-focused Paralegal to support the Legal Review and Ground Rent units. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure the timely, accurate, and courteous processing of business charter and ground rent filings. The incumbent performs a variety of paralegal and administrative duties, including reviewing routine business charter and ground rent filings for compliance with applicable Maryland statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures; processing transactions; conducting legal and administrative research; preparing correspondence; and responding to inquiries from businesses, attorneys, property owners, title companies, registered agents, and members of the public.

POSITION DUTIES

Review and Compliance

• Reviews routine business charter and ground rent filings for compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Determines whether submitted documents meet filing requirements. Identifies deficiencies and prepares appropriate notices or correspondence. Escalate filings requiring advanced legal analysis or statutory interpretation. Maintains confidentiality and accuracy throughout the review process.

Transaction Processing and Case Management

• Timely processes approved filings using SDAT systems. Maintains electronic records and updates databases.
• Verifies fees, supporting documentation, and required information. Completes assigned work in priority order.
• Assists with backlog reduction and workload balancing.

Customer Service

• Serves as the primary customer service contact for the public. Responds to inquiries from customers, businesses, attorneys, title companies, and other members of the public.
• Explains filing requirements and procedures.
• Drafts correspondence regarding filing deficiencies.
• Provides professional service through telephone, email, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.

Research and Administrative Support

• Conducts research using statutes, regulations, agency policies, databases, and filing history.
• Assists with special projects. Maintain records and documentation.
• Supports implementation of procedural improvements.

Collaboration and Accountability

• Works cooperatively with Ground Rent and Charter Review staff. Shares knowledge and assists coworkers.
• Maintains regular attendance. Protect confidential information. Completes required training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:

• One year of professional experience conducting legal research, title searches, or processing filings specifically related to Maryland real estate, property records, deeds, or Maryland Ground Rent laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience performing high-volume administrative or legal document intake and auditing filings for strict regulatory compliance or legal sufficiency under tight daily accuracy standards.
• Experience explaining complex regulatory requirements, filing procedures, or statutory mandates to both the general public and legal professionals (such as attorneys or paralegals) in a high-volume customer service, court, or government agency environment.
• Experience serving as an administrative liaison or project coordinator between legal staff (attorneys and paralegals) and clerical or processing staff to streamline organizational workflow.
• Direct professional experience utilizing state government databases or proprietary filing tracking systems (such as the Maryland Business Express System or equivalent).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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 operatorâs license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

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 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.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy 10 to 25 days of annual (vacation) leave per year (depending on seniority), 15 days of sick leave, 6 personal days, and 11 paid state holidays.

Family-Friendly Policies: Eligible employees receive paid family and medica leave to care for a child within six months of birth or adoption.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to affordable medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents.

Retirement & Pension: Secure your future with the State''s defined benefit pension plan (vested after 10 years) and optional supplemental retirement savings plans.

Financial Wellness: Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent daycare costs.

Work-Life Balance: Many positions offer flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities.

Student Loan Assistance: State employees may be eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and the Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:

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State Department of Assessments and Taxation

Office of Human Resources,

700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

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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.

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