Law Director - Anderson County Government

The County Law Director is charged with the execution and administration of all legal affairs of Anderson County. The Law Director and staff provide legal advice to County officials concerning their respective offices, serve as an intermediary between other offices and departments of government, and litigate on behalf of the County. This position involves assisting in legal research, drafting legal documents, representing the county in legal proceedings, providing legal advice to various departments and officials, prosecuting cases as required, handles a variety of civil cases, including but not limited to, contracts, employment law and compliance issues and performs other duties as required.

Law Director Essential Functions - For clarification on the Private Act, please click "Full Job Description" at the end of this job description:

• Perform duties as outlined under the most recent approved Private Act up to and including any modifications of that document.
• Represent and render legal advice to the county legislative body and all county officials, including, elected and appointed department heads, employees, and duly appointed boards, commissions, and committees in matters relating to their official work and duties; and
• Represent the county in all litigation, whether the county is suing or being sued in all state or federal courts, administrative boards, and commissions; and
• To meet with the county legislative body at all regular and special meetings; and
• To act as the county's delinquent tax attorney upon selection as such by the county trustee and approval by the county mayor, as now provided by law, and without additional compensation. If the law director is selected as the county's delinquent tax attorney, all statutory fees allocated by general law to the county's delinquent tax attorney shall be deposited in the general fund of Anderson County and shall not be retained by the county law director; and
• To draft, and/or approve, contracts, leases, deeds, or other legal instruments to which the county might be a party, or to review same when requested by county officials; and
• To provide legal opinions on matters requested by county officials; and
• To render opinions with regard to public finance obligations such as notes and bonds; and
• To draft policies, procedures, rules and regulations upon the request of county officials, commissions, committees, boards or other governing bodies empowered to consider and/or adopt the same; and
• To represent the county mayor in all fee petitions brought by the officials of the various fee offices; and
• To monitor and evaluate any and all cases assigned to insurance counsel by the county's insurance carrier; and
• To provide annual opinions to auditors regarding pending or threatened claims or litigation, in accordance with standards promulgated by the American Bar Association; and
• In general, to act as general counsel for Anderson County and to perform all duties associated with that position.
• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• The County Law Director shall devote their full-time legal employment to the duties of the Office of the County Law Director and shall not represent any other clients in the practice of law while holding office as the county law director.
• The Law Director shall be a licensed Tennessee attorney; graduate of an ABA-accredited law school; duly licensed and admitted to practice law in the courts of the State of Tennessee, Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court; and a resident of Anderson County, or capable of becoming a resident within six (6) months of appointment to the position.
• It shall be the duty of the Law Director of Anderson County to take the oath of office prescribed for other county officials by the county clerk and appropriate to their office before entering upon the discharge of duties, and thereafter to transact all legal business of Anderson County.
• Valid driver's license or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal laws affecting counties, including legal research methodologies, criminal law principles, and complaint drafting. Familiarity with municipal laws such as urban planning, zoning, annexation, employment law, labor law, municipal code enforcement, workers' compensation, and risk management.

Proficient in public and labor relations, fostering effective working relationships, delivering presentations to community organizations, and strong written and verbal communication. Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, contract administration, and Microsoft Office applications.

Maintain confidentiality; analyze and interpret complex documents, including policies and labor agreements; effectively present information and respond to inquiries from various stakeholders; engage in labor contract negotiations; organize and present evidence logically; assess alternative actions and their implications; present cases in court; manage unforeseen challenges; work under pressure while meeting deadlines; demonstrate initiative and independent judgment; and supervise employees across various trades or professions.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities.

While executing job duties, the employee frequently needs to sit, talk, and hear, and occasionally must stand, walk, and lift or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The typical noise level in the work environment is quiet.

What is in it for you?

• County Paid Benefits
  • FREE Life Insurance
  • FREE Onsite Health Clinic (with the purchase of medical coverage)
  • FREE Employee-Only Basic Dental Plan
  • FREE Telehealth: medical and behavioral and FREE Employee Assistance Program
• County Share Payment of Benefits
  • Medical / Behavioral / Prescription / Vision / Dental (buy-up and family plan)
  • State Defined Retirement
• Voluntary Benefit Options
  • Accident / Critical Care / Cancer / Short and Long Term Disability / Pet Insurance
  • 401k (Roth plan available) and 457b Retirement
• Personal Time Off
  • Sick / Personal / Vacation

How To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following by October 24th, 2024:

• Complete the online application
• Submit a Cover Letter explaining your interest in the position. Please include qualifications applicable to the listed required qualifications above.
• Submit a Resume
• Submit a Writing sample (no more than ten (10) pages)
• Supply three (3) professional references

Anderson County Government is an equal-opportunity employer. Is it the policy of Anderson County to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.