Legal Assistant

Centstone; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) invites applications for a Contract Legal Assistant Environmental Enforcement in Nashville. The role supports OGC attorneys with enforcement orders, appeals, case management, and legal filings.

The position is a full-time contract with 37.5 hours per week, hybrid in Nashville, TN, combining in-office work with remote tasks, and based at the TDEC Central Office.

Qualifications

• Experience in a legal office, law firm, or government department.
• Strong administrative, case management, and proofreading abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with attorneys and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with enforcement orders, appeals, and final orders.
• Manage case files, deadlines, and communications with respondents.
• Prepare and review legal documents and notices.
• Coordinate service of process and docketing tasks.
• Support with collections, filings, and discovery responses.

Skills

Legal office experience

Case management

Proofreading

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Job description

Contract Legal Assistant Environmental Enforcement

Job Type: Full-Time Contract
Hours: 37.5 Hours/Week
Location: Nashville, TN Hybrid (In-Office & Work From Home)

Position Overview

The selected candidate will assist OGC attorneys with reviewing and processing environmental enforcement orders, appeals, final order enforcement, collections, legal documentation, case management, and communication with respondents and opposing counsel.

Key Responsibilities Enforcement Order Support

• Review draft environmental enforcement orders for factual accuracy, completeness, and supporting documentation.
• Verify named respondents and current addresses for service of process.
• Proofread enforcement orders and identify quality-control issues.
• Prepare attorney cover letters for Commissioner's Orders.
• Coordinate service of process for enforcement orders.

Appeals & Legal Proceedings

• Assist OGC attorneys with appeals of environmental enforcement orders.
• Facilitate communications with pro se respondents and opposing counsel.
• Draft agreed final orders and settlement documents.
• Prepare Notices of Hearing and coordinate docketing of matters.
• Proofread motions and other legal documents.
• Assist with discovery responses, depositions, and hearings.
• Prepare agreed final orders for settlements.

Enforcement & Case Management

• Assist OGC attorneys with enforcement of final orders.
• Serve as the primary case manager for assigned enforcement matters.
• Draft demand letters for attorney review and signature.
• Send demand letters and track responses or non-responses.
• Manage communications with pro se respondents and opposing counsel.
• Prepare Attorney General referral memoranda.
• Track case status, deadlines, communications, and required follow-up activities.

Collections & Legal Filings

• Assist with collection of civil penalties and damages.
• Prepare draft General Sessions warrants and affidavits for attorney review.
• Coordinate obtaining affiant signatures on approved documents.
• Arrange filing of approved documents with General Sessions.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation.

Case Management & Communication

• Provide regular updates and documentation to assigned attorneys.
• Promptly enter case updates into the case management database.
• Upload and maintain relevant legal documents and correspondence.
• Ensure case files remain organized, accurate, and current.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a legal office, law firm, government legal department, or similar environment.
• Strong legal administrative and case management skills.
• Excellent proofreading and document-review abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with attorneys, respondents, opposing counsel, and government personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case/document management systems.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with attorneys and legal staff.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with environmental enforcement or administrative law.
• Experience supporting government attorneys or a public-sector legal office.
• Experience with enforcement orders, legal filings, discovery, hearings, or collections.
• Experience communicating with pro se parties and opposing counsel.
• Experience maintaining legal case management databases.

Contract Details

• 37.5 hours per week
• Full-time contract position
• Hybrid schedule Nashville, TN
• Combination of in-office and work-from-home work
• Position is based at the TDEC Central Office in downtown Nashville