Staff Attorney 2

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney 2 is the second level in the City’s two-level staff attorney series and works in the City Attorney Department. The position provides legal advice and counsel to City Council, department administrators, boards, commissions, committees, City staff, and assigned departments. It monitors legal developments and interprets federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, court decisions, and other legal authorities to support compliance and resolve legal issues. The role drafts, reviews, and negotiates ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments; prepares and handles legal documents and case materials; and represents the City, its officers, and employees in litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. The position also assists with debt collection, ordinance and code enforcement, prosecution activities, public hearings, public inquiries, and departmental legal matters. It maintains legal records and performs related duties as assigned. The position is based at City Hall Annex. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, although hours may vary with assignments or projects. Irregular hours, including evenings, may be required. This is an exempt, sedentary position requiring occasional handling of up to 10 pounds of force. Pre-employment screening includes a background check.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university.
Licensure to practice law in Tennessee, admission to Tennessee and federal courts, and good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court.
A 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; interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Ability to draft legal instruments and clear, effective policies, memoranda, opinions, correspondence, pleadings, and responses to pleadings.
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, follow instructions, and establish effective working relationships with stakeholders and the public.
Seven years of practicing civil law is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of practicing civil law (strongly preferred).

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; review and interpret applicable legal authorities.
Prepare, review, and negotiate legal documents and information requests, 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 case preparation, evidence presentation, development of case theory, trial work, and appeals, and appear before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
Assist in collecting debts and damages due 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 assigned departments regarding applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, and laws.
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 a legal advisor to applicable departments and attend department meetings to communicate and obtain information.
Maintain custody of ordinances, Board minutes, docket files, and other legal documents.
Meet regular attendance requirements, maintain effective working relationships, and accomplish essential functions in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Perform other duties as assigned.