[Hiring] Deputy Principal Counsel @Prince George's County Government

Role Description

Come join our team! Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

The Prince George’s County Council is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill a Deputy Principal Counsel (Administrative Specialist 2G, Grade 31) position in the County Council Legislative Branch Principal Division. This is a direct hire position being advertised to attract qualified candidates.

Incumbent serves as the Deputy Principal Counsel to the District Council, under the direction of the Council Administrator and Principal Counsel. This is a senior level staff position with administrative responsibilities in support of the Council. The incumbent provides expert legal counsel and representation on zoning, land use, and legislative matters impacting the District Council. Work includes legal research, legislative drafting, litigation, and advisory responsibilities involving complex legal and regulatory, and constitutional requirements. The position requires independent judgment, and knowledge of laws governing zoning, land use, and legislative authority at the local, state, and federal levels.

Examples of Work

• Provides legal research, analysis, and advice to the Principal Counsel, District Council, Council Members, and Council Administrator on complex zoning, land use, legislative, and municipal law matters.
• Reviews and analyzes zoning and land use cases and provides legal recommendations regarding compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and Council rules.
• Attends District Council sessions and hearings to provide legal guidance and ensure proper legislative and quasi-judicial procedures are followed.
• Assists the Principal Counsel in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting legislation, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents.
• Represents the District Council in administrative, trial, and appellate proceedings by preparing and presenting legal motions, arguments, evidence, and witness testimony, as necessary and under the direction of the Principal Counsel.
• Conducts legal research and prepares briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
• Assists the Principal Counsel in evaluating litigation strategies, legal risks, and outcomes and developing recommendations for Council policies and actions.
• Coordinates with the Office of Law, outside counsel, government agencies, and expert witnesses on complex legal matters, as directed by the Principal Counsel.
• Maintains legal records, litigation files, and Council advisories and assists with ensuring continuity of legal matters.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited College or University in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in legal research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate.
• Experience with Public Policy and/or County Government.
• Strong experience in legal research, analysis, drafting, and interpretation.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex legal matters and meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment

• Upon selection, the candidate must meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties, if applicable.
• Successfully pass public safety preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. This position is essential.
• Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.

Eligibility to Work

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed.

Company Description

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.