Staff Attorney 2

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

6h•$88,416 - $106,816•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Staff Attorney 2 to join their team. This role is the second level in a two-level staff attorney series. The Staff Attorney 2 will track legal developments, draft and review legal instruments, provide legal advice to various city entities, represent the City in litigation, assist in ordinance enforcement, and respond to public inquiries. The position requires a Juris Doctor degree and licensure to practice law in the State of Tennessee, with a strong preference for seven years of practicing civil law. The role involves working with federal, state, and local laws, court procedures, and drafting various legal documents. The ideal candidate will have strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and the ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
Seven (7) 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.

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; reviews and interprets 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 the payment of civil penalties.
Provides legal counsel to assigned department(s) regarding applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, and laws.
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 a legal advisor to applicable departments; attends department meetings to communicate and obtain information.
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.