Staff Attorney - City of Johnson City

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting internal online applications for a Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney performs difficult professional work serving as legal counsel for the City of Johnson City under the direct supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney; does related work as required. This position is responsible for legal representation for the City of Johnson City, Tennessee. Responsible for the interpretation of laws, rulings and regulations in regards to municipal government.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Provide legal advice in the best interests of the city to the city manager, department directors, boards, commissions, committees, and other city officials;
• Prepares and reviews contracts, deeds, bonds, ordinances, resolutions, real estate transactions, open records requests, and agreements for the city by rendering opinions relative to substance, form and propriety of such documents;
• Attend and provide legal counsel to board of commissioners meetings and committee meetings will be required; direct and supervise the management of all litigation including the functions of prosecuting attorney in municipal court;
• Assist in and supervise the development of administrative policies, rules and regulation;
• Represent the city in legal issues at administrative hearings, in meetings with government officials, and in professional organizations;
• To facilitate and assist with retention of special counsel in cases involving extensive or specialized litigation;
• Works efficiently and effectively under stress while meeting deadlines;
• Must maintain confidentiality of information and documents;
• Conduct legal research related to applicable municipal, state and federal laws and regulations and interpret laws, rulings and regulations to advise on legal matters;
• Be available to provide assistance to the City Manager's Office at any time the need may arise, recognizing that the City operates on a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervision.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of municipal and administrative law; strong analytical skills and writing ability; oral advocacy skills. Ability to interpret laws, rulings and regulations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, city officials, civic leaders, and the general public.

Acceptable Experience and Training: J.D. degree from an ABA accredited institution is required. Must be currently licensed to practice law in Tennessee, in good standing, as well as admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant local government experience is preferred. Experience with administrative law, real estate transactions, and municipal law highly preferred. Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.

EEO/AA