Deputy City Attorney

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents, is known as the "Scenic City" and a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. It blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future, powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network, and was recently designated as a "National Park City." The City of Chattanooga is powered by approximately 2,600 employees dedicated to public service, offering a wide range of municipal services including Public Safety, Infrastructure & Utilities, Quality of Life, Transportation, and Innovation. The City aims to be the premier employer in Southeast Tennessee, providing competitive compensation, work-life balance, exceptional wellness programs, and opportunities for professional growth. The Deputy City Attorney is an appointed, exempt position within the City Attorney's Office. This role involves supervising lower-level attorneys and support staff, assisting in the day-to-day management of the office, providing legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, and other officials, representing the City in various legal matters including constitutional law and civil rights litigation, and managing litigation. The Deputy City Attorney also assists in enforcing City codes, preparing legal documents, managing outside counsel, and contributing to the office budget.

Requirements

J.D. Degree from an accredited Law School
Ten (10) years previous experience as a practicing litigation attorney
Three (3) years as lead counsel in significant litigation matters in state and federal courts
Must be a member in good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court
Admitted to practice before the Tennessee Supreme Court and a Federal District Court for at least five (5) years
Licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee
A valid Driver’s License
Knowledge of managerial and leadership principles applicable to law departments
Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes
Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures
Knowledge of caseload management techniques
Knowledge of investigative procedures
Knowledge of legal research methods
Knowledge of constitutional and statutory bases for City government and applicable case law
Knowledge of organization, functions and legal limitations on authority of various City departments and enforcement and process problems
Skill in monitoring and evaluating the work of subordinate staff
Skill in prioritizing and assigning work
Skill in using computers and related litigation management software applications
Skill in understanding applicable case law, statutes, Rules of Evidence and civil procedure
Skill in analyzing situations and recommending solutions
Skill in formulating and communicating legal advice to clients which is responsive to the clients' needs and oriented to problem resolution
Skill in writing clear, succinct and effective memoranda, opinions, correspondence, motions, responses to motions and other legal documents
Skill in preparing and trying cases before administrative and judicial forums, including appeal
Skill in negotiating and mediating
Skill in performing legal research
Skill in speaking in public
Skill in conducting legal analysis
Skill in researching case law
Skill in preparing and analyzing cases
Skill in trying cases in a court of law
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, etc. which are sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Nice To Haves

Experience with employment law
Experience with contract law
Real property work experience

Responsibilities

Supervises lower level attorneys and support staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
Assists in managing day-to-day operations of the Office of the City Attorney which includes planning, coordinating, administering and evaluating continuing litigation in state and federal courts; ensures compliance with federal, state and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
Provides legal counsel and advice to the Mayor, City Council, City boards, City officials and staff regarding legal matters pertaining to municipal government operations and participates in the formulation of City policies.
Represents the City government, officials and staff in official legal matters including constitutional law, annexation and civil rights litigation; manages litigations of suits filed for or against the City and prepares related complaints, legal motions, briefs and orders.
Assists in the enforcement of City codes, ordinances, contracts and permits to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and oversees investigation of violations.
Prepares and makes public statements to the news media as requested by the City Attorney regarding the status of pending legal matters, active cases, new ordinances and laws.
Supervises resolution/settlements of claims and responses regarding personal injury and/or property damage claims resulting from accidents involving City vehicles, equipment and personnel.
Reviews legislative bills, state and federal laws and regulations for impact on the City.
Prepares legal opinions, resolutions, ordinances and executive orders; letters for audit reports and bonds under writings and coordinates the preparation, printing and distribution of the City's code books when requested by the City Attorney.
Manages legal services provided to the City by outside counsel.
Assists in the preparation of the Office of the City Attorney budget.
Responds to any inquiries, problems and complaints from the general public.
Uses, carries and answers their cell phone for business purposes as determined by the assigned job duties and the department head.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

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