Staff Attorney 1

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

6h•$83,118 - $100,416•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Staff Attorney 1 to join their team. This role is the first level in a two-level staff attorney series and involves tracking legal developments, drafting and reviewing legal instruments, providing legal advice to various city entities, and representing the City in litigation. The position requires a Juris Doctor degree and licensure to practice law in Tennessee. The City of Chattanooga is a vibrant community known for its outdoor recreation and innovation, offering a purpose-driven career with competitive compensation, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
Five (5) years of practicing civil law strongly preferred.
Valid Driver’s License
Licensure to practice law in the State of Tennessee, admission to Tennessee and Federal courts, and good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court are required.
Must hold a license to practice in state and federal courts in Tennessee and possess a strong working knowledge of Tennessee and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence.

Nice To Haves

Five (5) years of practicing civil law

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; participates in coordinating and facilitating related prosecution activities.
Monitors the status of cases for the 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 U.S. Constitution to resolve legal issues.
Prepares correspondence, memos, briefings, management reports, and other documents.
Coordinates filing of legal advertisements with the 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.