Paralegal I

Introduction

The State of Maryland's Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), specifically its Business Charter Legal processes unit, manages ground rent redemptions where the holder cannot be located and operates a registration system for these rents. The Paralegal I position is situated in the Business Services Unit – Charter Legal at 700 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore.

Main Purpose

This role involves providing precise, timely, and courteous processing support for business charter and ground rent filings. The Paralegal handles reviewing filings for compliance with Maryland laws, processing transactions, conducting legal research, preparing correspondence, and addressing inquiries from various stakeholders including the public, businesses, and legal professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Review routine business charter and ground rent submissions to ensure conformity with relevant statutes and regulations, identifying deficiencies and preparing notices or correspondence as needed.
• Process approved filings efficiently in SDAT systems and maintain accurate electronic records and databases.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer service, responding to queries and explaining filing procedures to diverse audiences.
• Conduct legal and administrative research, assist with special projects, and support procedural improvements.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain workflow, uphold confidentiality, and complete assigned duties diligently.

Qualifications

Mandatory: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an equivalent certificate; plus two years’ experience as a legal assistant or secretary involving legal research or document preparation for attorneys.

Substitutions allowed: Thirty credit hours or a paralegal studies certificate from an accredited institution, thirty law school credit hours, additional required experience year-for-year, or U.S. Armed Forces paralegal specialist military experience may replace some requirements.

Desirable experience: At least one year in Maryland real estate legal research or filing; experience with high-volume legal document processing; ability to clarify complex regulatory requirements to both legal professionals and the public; liaising between legal and clerical staff; and familiarity with Maryland state government databases or filing tracking systems.

Additional Requirements

May require a valid Maryland driver’s license if duties involve vehicle operation.

Selection and Examination

Candidates must provide comprehensive information to demonstrate qualifications. Assessment may include evaluation of education, training, and experience. Successful applicants will be ranked on an employment list valid for a minimum of one year.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Between 10 and 25 annual vacation days based on seniority, 15 sick days, 6 personal days, plus 11 paid state holidays.
• Family-Friendly Leave: Paid family and medical leave for child care within six months of birth or adoption.
• Health Coverage: Affordable medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans for employees and dependents.
• Retirement: Defined benefit pension plan vested after 10 years, plus optional supplementary retirement savings.
• Financial Wellness: Access to pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling and telework options offered in many roles.
• Student Loan Assistance: Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit.

Application Instructions

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Paper applications accompanied by a supplemental questionnaire can be submitted by closing date to the Office of Human Resources at 700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202. Late or incomplete submissions, including resumes in lieu of applications, will not be accepted. Contact details are provided for assistance with application issues or recruitment questions.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity. Applicants with disabilities, bilingual skills, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.