Executive Service

ASSOCIATE COUNSEL

Department of Children¿s Services

General Counsel Office

Columbia, TN

Monthly salary: $8,408.00

Closing Date: 5/20/2024

Job overview:

• Provide effective representation during all phases of litigation as to your assigned cases, to minimize legal barriers to permanency for children.
• Be prepared for all court appearances in all dependency and neglect matters and termination of parental rights hearings by preparing witnesses, reviewing files, reading reports, and ensuring that all necessary evidence is available at the time of hearings, including ensuring that subpoenas are timely issued and evidence can be attained in time for hearings to move forward without delay.
• Zealously prosecute cases to conclusion by filing timely pleadings and orders, concluding litigation in a timely manner.
• Regularly consult with and advise clients as to status and direction of the case and appropriately represent the Department's position to the Court and document consultations and legal advice.
• Attend all required court hearings in the attorneys assigned courtroom and make appropriate arrangements for coverage should conflicts in scheduled arise.
• To be available and responsive to telephone calls when assigned to receive calls.
• Provide great customer services to both internal and external customers by demonstrating responsiveness to phone calls and emails and partnering professionally with the program and legal staff, court employees and the local bar, and customers to achieve the best possible results for the children and families served by the agency.

Minimum qualifications:

• Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required.

Preferred Experience:

• 3 years of relevant legal experience.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee¿s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State¿s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person¿s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran¿s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.