ASSOCIATE COUNSEL - 73642

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.

Exceptions for higher compensation may be considered based on education, experience, and assessed proficiency in accordance with Department of Human Resources (DOHR) policy. The State of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits program to include health, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance programs, paid state holidays, and generous leave benefits. In addition, State of Tennessee employees are eligible for participation in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).

Who we are and what we do:

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee. The department is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the public through the operations of its six primary divisions: Tennessee Highway Patrol, Driver Services, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Office of Homeland Security, Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), and Administrative Services. Headquartered in Nashville, the department maintains a strong presence statewide with approximately 2,500 employees working across the state.

Job Overview:

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is seeking an Associate Counsel to serve within the Legal Division. This attorney will act as a Safety Hearing Officer for the Driver Improvement Unit and will perform additional legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel. The Associate Counsel is responsible for presiding over administrative hearings related to driver license actions and conducting asset forfeiture hearings. The role requires strong legal judgment, experience interpreting statutes and administrative rules, and the ability to produce clear, well-reasoned written orders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct points hearings, financial responsibility hearings, medical hearings, and other administrative driver license related hearings in accordance with state administrative laws.
• Serve as a Safety Hearing Officer, ensuring hearings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable statutes and departmental procedures.
• Prepare and issue written decisions and orders arising from administrative hearings.
• Serve as an attorney within the Legal Division, including handling asset forfeiture hearings in Nashville and other districts as assigned.
• Provide legal support and perform additional duties at the direction of the General Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the Tennessee bar association. One to two years of experience preferred in administrative law, litigation, or a related legal field, preferably involving hearings or regulatory compliance. Knowledge of Tennessee driver license laws, asset forfeiture statutes, and applicable state administrative procedures, or the ability to acquire such knowledge quickly. Strong understanding of state administrative law, including the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (UAPA). Demonstrated experience conducting hearings, evaluating evidence, applying statutory and regulatory requirements, and preparing clear, well-reasoned written orders. Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills. Experience working with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, or government entities is preferred.

How to Apply: To apply, submit a cover letter and resume reflecting education and specific positions held, including information relative to the qualifications listed above. Materials should be submitted through www.tn.gov/careers.

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.