Staff Attorney 2

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

4d•$88,416 - $130,336•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney 2 is the second level in a two-level staff attorney series within the City Attorney Department. The position provides legal services to the City of Chattanooga, its officers, employees, departments, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees. It tracks legal developments and interprets applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, codes, regulations, court decisions, and other authorities. The attorney drafts, reviews, and negotiates legal instruments and advises assigned departments on applicable legal requirements. The role represents the City, its officers, and employees in litigation and related proceedings, including case preparation, trials, appeals, and appearances before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. It also supports ordinance and code enforcement, conducts public hearings, responds to public inquiries, monitors cases and civil penalties, coordinates legal filings and advertisements, and maintains legal records. The position requires regular attendance, effective working relationships, and timely performance of essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Other duties may be assigned. The position is based at City Hall Annex. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, although hours may vary based on assignments or projects. The position is exempt and may involve irregular hours, including evenings. 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.
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.
Knowledge of City Attorney’s office operations and services; the duties, powers, limitations, and authority of a City Attorney; applicable federal, state, and local laws and procedures; litigation review and settlement; municipal-code prosecution; caseload management; legal research; civil, constitutional, and administrative law; court proceedings; contract drafting and negotiation; City department functions and legal authority; and modern office procedures, methods, equipment, computers, and applicable software.
Ability to assist the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney; research, analyze, and apply case law, legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents; analyze situations and provide legal advice; interpret and apply laws and policies; draft legal documents and clear policies, memoranda, opinions, and correspondence; prepare and try cases in federal, state, municipal, and administrative forums; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow instructions; and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and the public.
Seven years of practicing civil law is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of practicing civil law is 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 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 case preparation, presenting evidence, developing case theory, preparing pleadings and motions, trying legal matters, handling appeals, and appearing before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
Assist in collecting debts and damages due to the City.
Assist with enforcement of City ordinances, codes, and traffic regulations, including coordinating and facilitating prosecution activities.
Monitor case status for legal filings 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 the 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 good interpersonal relationships, and perform essential functions in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.