DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL - 74973

Executive Service

Background Check: This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The Tennessee Department of Correction operates and oversees 14 adult prisons across the state, housing some 21,000 offenders. In the community, TDOC supervises 79,000 offenders on probation, parole, or community corrections. The department operates 44 probation/parole offices in 13 districts across the state. The Tennessee Department of Correction operates safe and secure facilities and provides effective community supervision in support of successful reentry.

Job Overview:

We are looking to fill two positions. They are the Deputy General Counsel for Institutional Support and Deputy General Counsel Litigation Management. These positions will provide legal advice, analysis, and senior level support for the general counsel and other program areas. Acts in General Counsel's absence in fulfilling responsibilities. Assist in providing legal advice and recommendations on the most complex legal issues. Directs and coordinates legal programs or provides comprehensive legal services for a major division of state agency. Provides hands-on counsel to all levels of executive staff and assists in protecting an agency's legal interests and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide operational legal guidance and oversight to institutional attorneys, ensuring consistent application of policies and standardized training across all facilities.
2. Serve as the primary liaison to the Attorney Generals Office, coordinating litigation-related activities and maintaining effective communication to strengthen collaboration and service delivery.
3. Oversee employee disciplinary hearings and represent the Department in Step III appeal hearings before the Board of Appeals, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
4. Manage court-related legal matters, including constitutional issues and federal court proceedings, to safeguard departmental interests and mitigate legal risks.
5. Review and analyze legislative bills impacting the Department, providing timely and accurate legal interpretation to inform policy decisions and operational planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required.

Preferred Experience:

1. Minimum 5 years relevant experience.
2. Minimum of 1 year of senior management/supervisory 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.