As stipulated by Town Charter Sections 8.01 and 8.02, the Town Attorney serves as the chief legal officer for the Town of Smyrna. Appointed by and serving at the will of the Town Council, this classification directs the management of all litigation, provides comprehensive legal counsel to Town leadership, and ensures the legal integrity of Town operations. The Town Attorney acts as a member of the Town team, utilizing the law creatively to advance Council-established policy while minimizing Town liability. Reports to the Town Council.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
-Council Directives & Consultation: Carries out directives of the Council as a whole; maintains accessibility for Council consultation during and after working hours.
-Proactive Communication: Provides "heads-up" warnings regarding potential problems in advance of a crisis; keeps Council informed of all legal affairs and litigation.
-Legislative & Policy Support: Prepares ordinances, resolutions, and contracts that accurately reflect Council direction and policies; provides sufficient detail to allow for effective decision-making.
-Executive Sessions: Conducts detailed and organized closed-session briefings to assist the Council in strategic decision-making.
-Administrative Collaboration: Works effectively with department managers and staff to provide practical, timely, and corrective/preventative legal advice. Advises Town Manager, Mayor and Town Council as well as staff on matters involving legal issues related to Town projects and surrounding areas.
-Litigation & Outside Counsel: Directs the management of all Town litigation; effectively coordinates with retained outside counsel to minimize Town costs and exposure.
-Town Court Prosecution: Performs the function of prosecuting attorney in the Town Court.
-Legal Team Leadership: Plans, directs, supervises and evaluates the work of the Assistant Town Attorney, Safety and Risk Manager, and Paralegal; assigns and reviews legal research, case preparation, and drafting projects to ensure accuracy and consistency with Town policy; provides professional guidance and mentorship; and evaluates employee performance to maintain high standards of legal service delivery.
-Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition: Directs and oversees the legal processes for land and easement acquisitions required for Town infrastructure and capital improvement projects; manages the preparation of title searches, appraisals, and deeds; conducts negotiations with property owners; and initiates and manages eminent domain proceedings/condemnation suits when necessary to secure public right-of-way in accordance with state and federal laws. Interprets complex property descriptions, surveys, appraisals, and title reports to ensure the Town’s interests are protected in real estate transactions.
-Public Diplomacy: Provides legal advice in public settings in a diplomatic and professional manner that protects the Town from embarrassment or liability.
-Citizen Relations: Accommodates citizen requests for legal information while maintaining the primary role of attorney for the Town as a legal entity.
-Legal Research & Compliance: Maintains a sound understanding of municipal law; keeps abreast of changes through continuing education and professional organizations.
-Organizational Responsibility: Accepts responsibility for legal outcomes; admits and works to correct errors; is receptive to constructive criticism.
-Legal Guidance at Meetings: Attends meetings involving council and staff during the work day, weekends and after hours.
Minimum Qualifications
-Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
-Charter Requirement: Must be an attorney-at-law entitled to practice in the courts of the State of Tennessee.
-Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in the practice of law, with five (5) years related to municipal or governmental affairs.
-Management Experience: Proven experience in a lead or supervisory role within a law firm or governmental legal department; must demonstrate proficiency in delegating legal projects, reviewing the work product of subordinate attorneys/paralegals, and managing departmental workflow.
-License: Active license in TN or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire; Member in good standing with the TN Board of Professional Responsibility.
-Knowledge: Has demonstrated knowledge in real estate, land use and zoning laws; labor and employment laws; environmental and utility regulations; litigation and risk management; code enforcement and governance, public safety, contract law and election law.