Assistant City Attorney

City-of-Kingsport,-T; Cherokee Village (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kingsport seeks an experienced attorney to serve as in-house counsel to represent the City and Kingsport City Schools on a broad range of matters including municipal, education, civil rights, contract and real estate law. You will provide legal opinions, draft and review ordinances and contracts, and attend various city and board meetings.

Requirements include a Juris Doctorate and admission to the Tennessee Bar, plus four years of relevant government experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a JD and admitted to practice law in Tennessee.
• Four (4) years of relevant legal experience as an attorney.
• Experience representing governmental entities in Tennessee preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represents the City in court and in internal/external hearings and administrative proceedings.
• Drafts, reviews and revises ordinances, contracts and other legal documents to ensure compliance with law.
• Assists department heads, boards, and committees with legal questions and provides opinions.
• Attends meetings and conferences; supervises legal staff as directed by City Attorney.
• Maintains confidentiality and manages litigation with city management guidance.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Oral communication

Leadership ability

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Tennessee Bar admission

Tools

Computer software proficiency

Job description

Reports to and assists the City Attorney in all elements of representation of the City of Kingsport and Kingsport City Schools. May act on behalf of the City Attorney in his/her absence.

• Under the general direction of the City Attorney, performs a variety of legal duties in a broad range of the law, such as administrative law, employment law, education law, municipal law, constitutional law, real estate law, contract law, tort law, tax law, and civil rights law;
• Performs responsible administrative work collaborating with City Attorney and city management to achieve goals as set forth and directed by City Attorney;
• Assists with the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of legal assistants and clerical staff;
• Assists in management of litigation; prepares and files pleadings, motions, and briefs for cases;
• Confers with and assists department heads, Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Board of Education members City committees and commissions and members thereof pertaining to legal questions and provides legal and factual guidance on matters affecting the city’s interest, often requiring extensive research, and when requested by the City Attorney provides oral or written legal opinions;
• Works collaboratively with departments to ensure legal compliance with applicable law;
• Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of documents such as ordinances, resolutions, bonds, contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases, deeds, releases, policies, administrative directives, general orders, forms, letters, memoranda, and other documents to ensure compliance with applicable law;
• Attends Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings and other board, commission committee, staff meetings, and community meetings, as needed.
• Represents the City in court and internal and external hearings and administrative proceedings to represent the City’s interests as required;
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, requests for information and complaints when the City Attorney is unavailable;
• Attends professional conferences, training, seminars and workshops as necessary to maintain job knowledge, skills and licensure requirements;
• As directed by City Attorney, represent the City in all stages of its response to complaints with state and federal civil rights and other administrative offices;
• Maintains confidentiality;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the state and federal constitutions, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Equal Opportunity Employment Act, and intellectual property, student rights, custody, education, employment, civil rights, real estate, local government, procurement, contract and tort law;
• Thorough knowledge of, and skill in, research techniques, methods and procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of modern management principles and practices, including operation of computers and software, and other related office technology;
• Ability to learn and comprehend complex legal issues, principles and matters;
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to prioritize tasks, organize, allocate, coordinate, and review the work of subordinates;
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and report research findings;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with employees, municipal officials and the public;
• Valid driver’s license

Minimum is Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and admitted to practice law in the State of Tennessee (or eligible for comity under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 or related provisions) and four (4) years of relevant legal experience as an attorney. Experience representing governmental entities in Tennessee preferred.

The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.