Staff Attorney 1

City of ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN
Onsite

About The Position

Join the City of Chattanooga Team. Chattanooga is a vibrant and growing community known as the "Scenic City" for its outdoor adventure and innovation. The City of Chattanooga's workforce is committed to making Chattanooga the best city in America. We offer careers with purpose, competitive compensation, work-life balance, exceptional wellness programs, and opportunities for growth. This position is part of the City Attorney's Office and is the first level of a two-level series.

Requirements

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
  • Five (5) years practicing civil law strongly preferred.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and be in good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Responsibilities

  • Tracks legal developments to monitor compliance with applicable laws.
  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates ordinances, amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses and other legal instruments.
  • Provides legal advice to City Council, Department Administrators, Boards, Commissions, and Committees and City staff, and participates in the formulation of City policies.
  • Reviews, interprets, and ensures compliance with federal, state, county and city constitutions, charters, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, court decisions, laws and other legal entities.
  • Prepares, reviews, and negotiates a variety of legal documents, offerings and requests for information which may include motions; pleadings; memorandums; immunity agreements; defense claims; legal opinions; petitions; special actions; briefs; subpoenas; contractual agreements; court coverage instructions; and related activities.
  • Represents the City, its officers and employees in all litigation including preparation of dockets, anticipating defense, presenting evidence, developing case theory, pleadings, briefs, motions, and other documents, preparation and trial of legal matters and handling of appeals; and appears before all Federal and State courts and administrative agencies.
  • Assists in the collection of debts and damages due to the City.
  • Assists in the enforcement of City ordinances and codes and City traffic regulations; participate in coordinating and facilitating related prosecution activities.
  • Monitors status of cases for filing of legal papers and payment of civil penalties.
  • Provides legal counsel to the City department(s) regarding applicable codes, ordinances, statutes and laws.
  • Attend department meetings to communicate and obtain information.
  • Conducts public hearings and coordinates public comment period.
  • Responds orally and in writing to complaints, public comments and inquiries from the general public.
  • Reviews Local ordinances, State codes, Federal laws and statutes, and the US Constitution to resolve legal issues.
  • Prepares correspondence, memos, briefings, management reports and other documents.
  • Coordinates filing of legal advertisements with County Clerk, newspapers and others.
  • Serves as custodian for ordinances, Board minutes, docket files and other legal documents.
  • 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
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible scheduling where possible
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Wellness programs
  • Centralized health clinic
  • Pharmacy for all City employees
  • Focus on professional development
  • Upward mobility within the organization
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