Staff Attorney 1

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

9d • $83,118 - $122,526 • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney 1 is the first level in a two-level staff attorney series in the City Attorney Department. The role provides legal advice and representation to the City of Chattanooga, its officers, employees, departments, boards, commissions, and committees. It monitors legal developments and interprets applicable federal, state, county, and city laws, regulations, codes, court decisions, and other legal authorities to support compliance and resolve legal issues.

The attorney drafts, reviews, and negotiates legal instruments and documents; advises on City policies; represents the City in litigation and court and administrative proceedings; and supports enforcement of City ordinances, codes, and traffic regulations. The position also handles case monitoring, public hearings and public comments, communications with the public, legal records, filings, and other duties as assigned. Regular attendance and effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, staff, and citizens are required. The position must perform essential functions in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This is an exempt position based at City Hall Annex. The stated regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, though hours may vary with assignments or projects. The work environment is primarily sedentary, and irregular hours, including evenings, may be required. Pre-employment screening includes a background check.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university.
• Licensure to practice law in Tennessee and admission to Tennessee and federal courts; must be in good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong working knowledge of Tennessee and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply case law, legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to analyze situations and provide legal advice and counsel.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to draft legal documents, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, pleadings, policies, memoranda, opinions, and correspondence.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and enforce department and City policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and try cases in federal, state, and municipal courts and administrative law forums.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, understand and follow instructions, and establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and the public.
• Five years of practicing civil law is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of practicing civil law.

Responsibilities

• Track legal developments to monitor compliance with applicable laws.
• Draft, review, and negotiate ordinances, amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, and other legal instruments.
• Provide legal advice to City Council, department administrators, boards, commissions, committees, and City staff, and participate in formulating City policies.
• Review and interpret applicable federal, state, county, and city constitutions, charters, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, court decisions, laws, and other legal authorities, and ensure compliance.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate legal documents and materials, including motions, pleadings, memorandums, immunity agreements, defense claims, legal opinions, petitions, special actions, briefs, subpoenas, contractual agreements, and court coverage instructions.
• Represent the City, its officers, and employees in litigation, including preparing dockets, developing case theories, presenting evidence, preparing and trying matters, handling appeals, and appearing before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
• Assist with collection of debts and damages owed to the City.
• Assist in enforcing City ordinances, codes, and traffic regulations and coordinate related prosecution activities.
• Monitor case status for filing legal papers and payment of civil penalties.
• Provide legal counsel to City departments on applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, and laws; attend department meetings to communicate and obtain information.
• Conduct public hearings and coordinate public comment periods.
• Respond orally and in writing to complaints, public comments, and inquiries from the general public.
• Review local ordinances, state codes, federal laws and statutes, and the U.S. Constitution to resolve legal issues.
• Prepare correspondence, memoranda, briefings, management reports, and other documents.
• Coordinate filing of legal advertisements with the County Clerk, newspapers, and others.
• Serve as custodian for ordinances, Board minutes, docket files, and other legal documents.
• Meet regular attendance requirements and maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, coworkers, managers, and citizens.
• Perform essential functions in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodations, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible scheduling where possible.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Wellness programs for employees and their families, including access to a centralized health clinic and pharmacy.
• Professional development and opportunities for upward mobility.
• Competitive compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree