General Counsel

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: General Counsel

DEPARTMENT: Office of the President

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This position reports to the President.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The General Counsel acts as principal legal officer to Information Systems of Maryland and works closely with the senior management team, in all matters with legal implications for the firm.

NATURE & SCOPE

Working with multiple stakeholders and multiple agendas on complex files.

Workflow into the General Counsel's office is not even, and during times of peak demand careful judgment must be used in prioritizing files that cannot be sent to outside counsel.

Dealing with sensitive files that involve the reputation of the firm and employees of the Firm, and that have ramifications for potential liability is a typical challenge.

Providing advice on ethical issues which periodically arise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. General Counsel:
   1. a. Provide advice on governance to senior management including:
      1. i. Best practices,
      2. ii. Development of policies
      3. iii. Which department/area should make which decisions and iv.   The processes to be followed in making those decisions;
      4. b. Provide legal advice and legal services to senior management on a wide range of legal issues, including legal liability, contracts, policy development employment and administrative law
      5. c. Identify and recommend procedures and practices to protect the firm from undue liability and to assist with risk assessment and control;
      6. Provide strategic legal advice as well as a full range of legal services directly to the departments/area
      7. Review and advise administration on - contractual matters including contracts, agreements and leases;
      8.  Retain, instruct and oversee external legal counsel on behalf of the University where appropriate
      9. g. In conjunction with external counsel and where appropriate, provide advice on matters related to labor relations and employment law;
      10. h. In conjunction with external counsel and where appropriate, represent the firm at mediations or arbitrations;
      11. Participate in special initiatives and sensitive projects on an as-needed basis;
      12. j. Liaise with external counsel on litigation matters;

1. Freedom of Information Act:
2. a. Overseeing the firm’s compliance with applicable privacy and access legislation, including the United States Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”);
3. b. Provide advice to the firm with regard to privacy related matters under FOIA;
4. c. Overseeing the firm’s response to access to information requests made under FOIA

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Law degree and eligibility to practice law in Maryland.

Must be a member in good standing, or eligible to become a member, of the Maryland Bar Association

A minimum of 8-10 years of recent experience as a practicing lawyer

Preference given to candidates with experience in the private and public sector

QUALIFICATIONS

In-depth knowledge of contract law with the ability to draft, revise and review all contracts to which the firm is a party including property agreements, affiliations agreements, research-related agreements and funding agreements.

Demonstrated experience in the development and/or review of policies, procedures, practices and processes to limit legal exposure and manage risk.

Demonstrated skill in negotiation.

Experience developing, interpreting, explaining and applying policies, procedures and precedents related to various areas of the law.

Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication abilities.

Experience in employment law and advising on human rights complaints.

Superior listening skills with an accessible, consultative management style.

Ability to relate well to others (inside and outside the firm) with the skills to build appropriate and constructive relationships.

Skillful in managing high tension situations comfortably with diplomacy, tact and patience.

A team player who enjoys working collaboratively. Capable of making tough decisions when required.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal with high-level issues in a balanced and fair manner.

Ability to work independently

Ability to travel to all firm offices on an as-needed basis

About ISM:

Information Systems of Maryland is a leading-edge information technology services firm that provides information technology services and solutions to the public sector and commercial markets. With over 15 years of information technology experience, we deliver solid solutions for today’s technology needs. To learn more about ISM, visit us on the web at https://www.is-md.com