Salary: $89,727 - $150,415. The salary range is based on a multitude of factors including applicable personnel rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Location: Office of the Attorney General, State Department of Assessment & Taxation 700 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Telework: A hybrid remote telework and in-office schedule option is available per applicable policies and procedures.
DESCRIPTION: The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the legal business of the State, acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies, various boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. As Maryland's 47th Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown, leads the Office with a key focus on equity, justice, and fairness.
The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is an agency of the State. Its functions include the assessment of all real property in each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. SDAT is also responsible for the assessment of business personal property, the assessment of operating property of public utilities and railroads, the imposition and collection of franchise tax on public utilities and the administration and imposition of the agricultural transfer tax. SDAT likewise maintains a Business Services Division which functions as the public repository for organizational documents of corporations and other legal entities as well as the repository for filing financing statements under the Uniform Commercial Code.
The successful candidate will represent SDAT and primarily act as a litigator of high-dollar property valuation and exemption cases before the Maryland Tax Court and throughout the court system. In addition, the candidate will be required to provide daily advice to SDAT in connection with property tax appraisals, exemptions, credits, transfer taxes, account records, charter filings, legislation and other topic areas within SDAT's purview.
EXPERIENCE: The ideal candidate will have at least four years of substantive real estate legal experience (both residential and commercial), including but not limited to, knowledge of real property appraisal using the income approach to valuation. Experience is also essential in residential real estate transactions, real property taxation and related tax and property law, government procedures, the Maryland Rules, as well as court operations and procedures and Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC). A minimal level of substantive civil litigation experience is highly preferred. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate superior writing and research skills, and excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. A demonstrated ability to manage important client relationships and knowledge of property tax exemption law would enhance the application. Maryland Bar membership is required.
SUBMISSION: Interested persons should electronically submit a resume, writing sample, and list of three references, all in PDF, to Jeffrey Comen at Jeffrey.comen@maryland.gov. Please write “Assistant Attorney General – SDAT" in the subject line of the email.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave; and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. State employees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The OAG is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING: The Office of the Attorney General views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving professional excellence and fostering and maintaining a culture where every employee can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the best pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We honor, respect, and celebrate all differences, both visible and invisible, and are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting individuals who have historically been underrepresented in the practice of law and professional careers.