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Assistant Attorney Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Attorney information

See Tennessee salary details

$48.1K

$78.5K

$125.7K

How much do assistant attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant attorney in Tennessee is $78,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,600.00 and $86,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant attorney do?

An Assistant Attorney is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a senior attorney or prosecutor, often within government agencies or law firms. Their primary responsibilities include researching legal issues, preparing legal documents, conducting investigations, and representing the government or their organization in court cases. Assistant Attorneys play a crucial role in case preparation, client interviews, and presenting arguments in court, particularly for criminal and civil matters. They assist in ensuring that justice is served and that legal processes are followed correctly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and negotiation skills help you stand out in handling cases and interacting with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure effective legal representation, efficient case handling, and positive outcomes for clients and the organization.

What are some common challenges assistant attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Assistant Attorneys often handle a high volume of cases at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for balancing court appearances, legal research, and client communications. Collaborating with senior attorneys and support staff can help distribute workload and ensure thorough case preparation. Regularly updating case files and proactively communicating with team members also helps prevent important details from slipping through the cracks.

What is the difference between Assistant Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssistant AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, government, corporate sectorLegal support roles, law firms, courts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Attorneys are licensed legal professionals with a Juris Doctor degree and bar admission, often working directly on legal cases. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Assistant Attorneys have more responsibilities and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Assistant Attorney jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Assistant Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,459 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Assistant Metropolitan Attorney 1-Department of Law

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County

Nashville, TN • On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

754th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time Non Civil Service
Job Number: DOL06933
Division: Department of Law
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
The Assistant Metropolitan Attorney 1, a non-Civil Service position, located with the Department of Law, performs federal litigation work for the Metropolitan Government and Metropolitan departments. Performs other related duties as required.
Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to:
Cynthia Gross
Chief of Staff
**In the subject line please put Attorney 1 - YOUR NAME**
Typical Duties
  • Prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents for filing in federal court
  • Attends hearings, trials, appellate arguments, and other federal court appearances.
  • Prepares for and attends depositions.
  • Studies and interprets laws, court decisions, ordinances, and other legal authorities to prepare legal advice in or relating to federal court litigation.
  • Prepares various legal correspondences.
  • Conducts interviews, conferences, and negotiations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
May supervise support personnel.
Receives general supervision and reports to the Metropolitan Attorney or designee, who is consulted on complex or unusual matters.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Doctor of Jurisprudence required. Federal Litigation experience preferred.
LICENSES REQUIRED
License to practice Law in the State of Tennessee or permitted to practice law pursuant to applicable rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of legal principles, including civil, constitutional, and administrative law.
  • Knowledge of the administrative functions of the justice system.
  • Knowledge of trial procedure and rules of evidence, preferably in federal court system.
  • Ability to analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to specific problems.
  • Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically.
  • Ability to analyze cases and make tactical decisions.
  • Ability to prepare briefs.
  • Ability to evaluate people and to obtain information through interviews and formal examinations.
  • Ability to deal courteously with the public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.
Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.

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