Description:
The Education and Employment Division represents the state's agencies and institutions in employment-related matters. Attorneys in this Division provide legal advice to clients concerning employment law and litigate cases at the trial and appellate levels of state and federal courts. Attorneys also represent the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee public universities in litigation and consult with them on a variety of matters including the promulgation of rules and the implementation of new laws. There are opportunities to do cross-Divisional work, mentor law clerks, and attend educational conferences and seminars in relevant substantive areas. The Office promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment and provides access to continuing legal education. There are also opportunities for a limited amount of remote work.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represent client agencies in employment related litigation in state and federal courts across Tennessee including cases filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Tennessee Human Rights Act, the Tennessee Disability Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- Represent the Tennessee Department of Education and Tennessee public universities in litigation in state and federal courts across Tennessee;
- Provide legal advice to client agencies regarding employment matters and education related laws;
- Effectively manage and meet deadlines;
- Work with a variety of state personnel in defending lawsuits, including agency counsel, university administrators, law enforcement officers, human resources officials, and agency leadership;
- Conduct witness interviews and other investigatory tasks as required;
- Draft and respond to pleadings, motions and written discovery;
- Take and defend depositions;
- Engage in effective oral advocacy;
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of cases and negotiate settlements when appropriate; and
- Handle bench and jury trials.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate and Tennessee bar admission, or ability to apply for admission without examination;
- 5 years of litigation experience, preferably including employment or education related litigation;
- Experience with eDiscovery;
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Strong legal research skills;
- Ability to work with a team; and
- Ability to work concurrently on multiple matters and effectively manage and meet expectations of various stakeholders simultaneously.
