Police Legal Advisor

City of Memphis•Memphis, TN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Works under the general direction of the Police Services Director to provide a wide range of legal counsel and advice on criminal law to the department. Collaborates with the City Attorney and City Court Clerks’ office regarding the status of individual cases, contracts, ordinances, and other legal matters affecting police officers. Compiles and summarizes the Memphis Police Department’s (MPD) position in response to claims against the city based on actions of department employees. Confers with the City Prosecutor to obtain concurrence of legal opinions pertaining to matters affecting police officers’ testimony and/or procedures. Attends advanced officer and recruit training to advise on matters such as search and seizure, use of force, interrogation, powers of arrest, proper identification, and current case law. Provides in-service training programs concerning legal liability for both sworn and civilian members of the department. Provides on-the-spot legal advice to police officers on the telephone or at the scene as needed. Attends and participates in Police Legal Advisor association meetings. Provides relevant information to Police command staff during staff meetings. Travels to various courts to conduct forfeiture litigation or to appear in opposition to subpoenas. Keeps abreast of U.S. Supreme Court, 6th Circuit Court, and Tennessee Court decisions which might affect MPD operations, practices, and policies. Publishes monthly law bulletins on issues related to criminal law. Prepares written documents, such as motions, pleadings, arguments, ordinances, and contracts. Ensures that documents are organized using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar to present cases in courts.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee.
Seven (7) years’ experience as a practicing attorney; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as a condition of continued employment.
Willing to submit to polygraph examination due to the handling confidential information.
Successfully pass a criminal justice employment background check to work within the Police Services Division.

Nice To Haves

Working experience and/or training practicing law for public sector entities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide a wide range of legal counsel and advice on criminal law to the department.
Collaborate with the City Attorney and City Court Clerks’ office regarding the status of individual cases, contracts, ordinances, and other legal matters affecting police officers.
Compile and summarize the Memphis Police Department’s (MPD) position in response to claims against the city based on actions of department employees.
Confer with the City Prosecutor to obtain concurrence of legal opinions pertaining to matters affecting police officers’ testimony and/or procedures.
Attend advanced officer and recruit training to advise on matters such as search and seizure, use of force, interrogation, powers of arrest, proper identification, and current case law.
Provide in-service training programs concerning legal liability for both sworn and civilian members of the department.
Provide on-the-spot legal advice to police officers on the telephone or at the scene as needed.
Attend and participate in Police Legal Advisor association meetings.
Provide relevant information to Police command staff during staff meetings.
Travel to various courts to conduct forfeiture litigation or to appear in opposition to subpoenas.
Keep abreast of U.S. Supreme Court, 6th Circuit Court, and Tennessee Court decisions which might affect MPD operations, practices, and policies.
Publish monthly law bulletins on issues related to criminal law.
Prepare written documents, such as motions, pleadings, arguments, ordinances, and contracts.
Ensure that documents are organized using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar to present cases in courts.
Perform other functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.