Staff Attorney 1

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

1d•$81,488 - $98,446•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Staff Attorney to join the City Attorney's Office. This is the first level of a two-level series. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for tracking legal developments, drafting and reviewing legal documents, providing legal advice to city officials and staff, and representing the City in litigation. The role involves ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, assisting in ordinance enforcement, and managing case files. The position requires a Juris Doctor degree and at least five years of practicing civil law experience is strongly preferred. The successful candidate must be licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and be in good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court. This is an exempt position with a salary range of $81,488 - $98,446 per year, depending on experience. The work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (EST), with potential for variation due to work assignments. The work location is City Hall Annex.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and be in good standing with the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Operations, services, and activities of a City Attorney’s office
Duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of a City Attorney
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes
Judicial and quasi-judicial procedures
Methods and techniques used in the review and settlement of lawsuits
Methods and techniques of prosecuting violations of municipal codes
Caseload management techniques
Legal research methods
Principles of civil, constitutional, and administrative law
Principles and procedures of municipal, superior, and appellate court proceedings
Drafting and negotiating contracts
Organization, functions and legal limitations on authority of various City departments
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Provide responsible assistance to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney
Research, analyze, and apply case law, legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems
Analyze situations and offer legal advice and counsel
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations
Draft legal documents such as ordinances, resolutions, and contracts
Draft clear and effective policies, memoranda, opinions, and correspondence
Interpret, explain, and enforce department and/or City policies and procedures
Prepare and try cases in federal, state, and municipal court, and in administrative law forums
Draft effective and persuasive legal pleadings and responses to legal pleadings
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and members of the public.

Nice To Haves

five (5) years practicing civil law strongly preferred.

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