Reporting the Ethics Officer, the Associate General Counsel – Ethics Investigations & Compliance is an experienced senior attorney with independent responsibility for investigating and litigating potential violations and other matters involving ethics. Counsel is responsible for conducting complex investigations into alleged misconduct and unethical business practices, and providing high-level legal advice to the Ethics Officer and the Board of Ethics on complex ethical matters to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, will assist with compliance and training.
Essential Functions* Conducts comprehensive internal investigations of alleged misconduct of anyone or entity subject to the Code of Ethics (Code) and related ethics policies and procedures, including conducting initial assessments, defining scope, developing investigative plans, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documentary evidence, and analyzing findings
•Drafts clear, concise and objective fact-based investigation reports while maintaining well-organized and accurate case files
•Conducts legal research and analysis on conflicts of interest, employee misconduct, and procurement ethics, and prepares timely and detailed verbal and written reports on findings
•Prepares, reviews and provides updates on legal briefs, pleadings, opinions, legal memoranda, and various other legal documents to the Ethics Officer and Board of Ethics on investigations and other work, as appropriate
•Develops and provides training on the Code and related ethics topics to individuals subject to the Code and other applicable ethics regulations
•Evaluates existing and proposed amendments to Maryland’s Public Ethics Law, Public Utilities Article, and other legislation and regulations to determine the impact of such measures on WSSC’s ethics program and Ethics Office operations
•Reviews and drafts WSSC regulations and standard operating procedures related to ethics, as needed
•Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the WSSC Board of Ethics, Office of Inspector General, the General Counsel Office (GCO), State Ethics Commission, law enforcement, investigators, consultants, and other entities, internally and externally, on investigations, issues of law, regulations, policies and procedures
•Assists in the development of investigative policies and processes, including case intake, administration, and developing case management systems
•Assists Ethics Officer in reviewing, drafting and editing legal reports and correspondence
•Analyzes information developed during investigations to identify, assess, and evaluate potential legal and compliance risks, providing recommendations to Ethics Officer to mitigate risks and improve internal controls
•Communicates and collaborates with WSSC officials related to job duties
•Determines whether investigative findings establish reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of Maryland and/or Federal law, i.e., whether the evidence is legally sufficient to warrant referral to the Maryland State’s Attorney or other authorities for further investigation, criminal prosecution
•Remains informed about evolving legal and ethical standards, including updates on relevant regulations, case law and best practices related to ethics
•Assists other attorneys in litigation and administrative enforcement actions involving ethics cases, as needed
•Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business.
Other Functions* Proactively seeks feedback on personal work assignments and provides feedback to improve team performance
•Continuously seeks, acquires, and develops new skills by participating in professional seminars and other training activities
•Represents the Ethics Officer in meetings and in the Ethics Officer’s absence
•May be designated as the acting Ethics Officer
•Adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information and changing conditions
•Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements
•Recommends improvements or solutions to problems to improve work process
•Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Environment And Physical DemandsBusiness casual office setting; business dress for Board of Ethics, Commission, and court.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities* Knowledge of research strategies and techniques sufficient to research legal issues where no clearly applicable precedents are available, or it is arguable which precedents apply
•Knowledge of statutes and regulations authorizing Ethics Office and Board of Ethics actions as well as in-depth knowledge of the relevant case law
•Skilled in using word processing, spreadsheets presentation, and legal research database applications
•Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and persuasively both verbally and in writing
•Possess extensive knowledge of state and federal criminal laws, local and Maryland Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, Maryland Administrative Procedures, Maryland Administrative Law, Maryland Administrative Hearing Procedures, the rules of evidence and search and seizure, methods and patterns of unethical operations, and Maryland and Federal appellate procedure sufficient to meet all procedural requirements inherent in the type of issues with which the incumbent is addressing
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and external organizations/individuals
•Knowledge of effective investigative, techniques, methodology and procedures, including the ability to systematically gather, analyze, and evaluate evidence or information
•Comprehensive knowledge of the laws, policies, regulations, and general guidance, affecting or pertaining to Ethics activities and procurement processes
•Ability to meet and cope with unusual demands or situations, and able to make responsible decisions on short notice
•Possesses strong analytical skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment
•Knowledge of administrative systems which support an office
•Possesses project planning and management skills, and able to perform duties within established timelines
•Ability to coach people consistent with mission requirements and customer focus
•Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with governmental officials, WSSC Water staff, other lawyers and members of the public
•Demonstrated knowledge of attorney/client privilege, the work-product doctrine, and the ability to provide the highest level of confidentiality and protection of sensitive legal matters.
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements* Graduation from an accredited law school
•5+ years of professional legal experience; and
•3+ years of experience conducting investigations for a corporation or government agency
Reporting the Ethics Officer, the Associate General Counsel II – Ethics is an experienced senior attorney with independent responsibility for investigating and litigating potential violations and other matters involving ethics. Responsible for conducting complex investigations into alleged misconduct and unethical business practices, and providing high-level legal advice to the Ethics Officer and the Board of Ethics on complex ethical matters to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, will assist with compliance and training.
Laurel, MD
Full-time
$135,714-$231,081
