Senior Counsel - Employee Retirement System

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEM

SENIOR COUNSEL

OPENING DATE: April 18, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

Salary Range: $72,033 - $115,100

Overview

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 Duties and Responsibilities (not inclusive)

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities

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.

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 & 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Governmental Pension System Experience

Compensation

The salary range for this position is commensurate with education and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

NOTE: Candidates under final consideration will be required to undergo and pass a background check.

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 City of Baltimore is an Equal Opportunity Employer