ASSOCIATE COUNSEL - 82640

State of Tennessee; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Tennessee seeks an Associate Counsel for the Department of Health, Office of General Counsel in Nashville. The role focuses on contracts, HIPAA compliance, records requests, and legal support across programs.

The position is hybrid: 2 days in the office (Monday and Thursday) and 3 days remote. Requires a JD and TN Bar, with at least 3 years in contract law.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of contract law experience.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and confidential records requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience collaborating within state government and departments.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare contracts and amendments entered into by the department.
• Provide legal support on program matters to senior counsels.
• Handle records requests and respond to public data inquiries.
• Assist with rulemaking projects and bill analysis.
• Advise on HIPAA releases, subpoenas, and medical records.
• Coordinate with health programs and other state agencies on compliance.

Skills

Contract law

HIPAA knowledge

Verbal and written communication

State government familiarity

Team collaboration

Education

JD, TN Bar in good standing

Job description

Executive Service

Closing Date: 11/30/2026

Position is hybrid and is required to work in-office twice per week

Background Check

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Executive Service

Associate Counsel

Department of Health Office of General Counsel Nashville, TN Minimum Annual Salary: $104,472.00 Closing Date: 11/30/2026 Position is hybrid and is required to work in-office twice per week

Background Check

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who We Are And What We Do

TDH incorporates our Values (Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Compassion, Respect, and Health Equity) into the work we do each day to achieve our Mission (Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee), live our Vision (Healthy People, Healthy Communities, and Healthy Tennessee) and address our two strategic priorities of prevention and access.

Job Overview

The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking an attorney to serve as Associate General Counsel. The position reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel. Primary job responsibilities include: reviewing and preparing contracts, providing legal support to senior associate general counsels on program matters, handling records requests, conducting research and drafting for rulemaking projects, analyzing legislation, and advising on special projects. The ideal candidate should have experience or working knowledge of confidentiality laws, including HIPAA and the Tennessee Public Records Act. This role is hybrid: 2 days in the office (Monday and Thursday) and 3 days remote (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday). This hybrid schedule requires flexibility for additional in-person meetings and other job responsibilities, as determined by the general counsel or deputy general counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Senior Associate in the review of grants, contracts, amendments, and other procuring documents entered into between the department and any supplier of services, products, equipment, and/or computer software.
• Review records for production in response to public records requests, data requests, and media inquiries. This role works closely with the Public Records Request Coordinator.
• Provide legal support to other programs within the Department, to include guidance on compliance with public health laws and regulations.
• Organize and streamline the process for responding to public records requests, data requests, and media requests by using an automated case management system.
• Assist health departments by reviewing HIPAA releases, subpoenas, and medical records.
• Work cooperatively with department programs, health-related boards, and other state agencies.
• Assist with promulgating rules for programs within the Department.
• Assist with legislative projects, including bill analysis.
• Complete special projects, as assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years contract law experience, familiarity with HIPAA and state law requirements for confidential records, ability to manage and prioritize a large volume of work, excellent verbal and written communication skills, familiarity with state government, and collaborate and work in a team environment.

Education:

JD, admitted to TN Bar with a license in good standing, at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.