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County Attorney Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Attorney/Lawyer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

This position is based in Nashville, Tennessee and serves clients throughout Davidson County ... Attorney referral bonuses * Client referral bonuses * Productivity bonuses * Significant courtroom ...

... and county levels. We bring together experienced and sophisticated subject matter experts to help ... The Attorney is responsible for the legal actions required in a designated caseload and represents ...

... and county levels. We bring together experienced and sophisticated subject matter experts to help ... The Attorney is responsible for the legal actions required in a designated caseload and represents ...

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County Attorney information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.8K

$89.2K

$174.3K

How much do county attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for county attorney in Tennessee is $89,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a County Attorney, and why are they important?

A County Attorney must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar licensure, and expertise in criminal and civil law relevant to local government. Proficiency with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and effective communication skills are essential for managing caseloads and interacting with officials and the public. These skills ensure ethical legal guidance, effective representation, and proper enforcement of county laws and regulations.

What is the difference between County Attorney vs District Attorney?

AspectCounty AttorneyDistrict Attorney
Required credentialsJurisdictions often require a law degree and state bar admissionSame as County Attorney, typically requiring a law degree and bar admission
Work environmentLegal advisor for county government, handling civil legal mattersProsecuting criminal cases on behalf of the district or county
Employer and industry usageCounty government, legal advisory rolesCounty or district government, criminal prosecution

The County Attorney primarily provides legal advice to county officials and handles civil legal matters, while the District Attorney focuses on prosecuting criminal cases. Both roles require similar legal credentials and work within county government settings, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are county attorneys and what do they do?

A county attorney is a public official who serves as the chief legal advisor and representative for a county government. Their primary responsibilities typically include prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state, providing legal counsel to county officials and departments, and representing the county in civil matters. County attorneys may also draft ordinances, review contracts, and ensure that county actions comply with state and federal laws. The exact duties can vary depending on the state and the size of the county.

What are some common challenges faced by County Attorneys in balancing legal responsibilities with public interests?

County Attorneys often navigate the challenge of balancing their obligation to uphold the law while considering the interests and expectations of the public and local government officials. They may encounter situations where legal decisions are unpopular or politically sensitive, requiring strong ethical judgment and communication skills. Additionally, County Attorneys manage a diverse caseload, from criminal prosecutions to civil matters, making time management and adaptability crucial. Collaborating with law enforcement, county officials, and the community also requires diplomacy and a thorough understanding of local laws and policies.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for County Attorney jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most County Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various County Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,246 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Appointed Professional Register (County Attorney)

Shelby County

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Theย Countyย Attorneyย departmentย is looking for individuals who are interested in being considered forย Appointedย Professionalย opportunities.ย Applications are acceptedย throughout the year.ย 
ย 
Positions are only available when there is a vacancy within the hiring department.ย As positions becomeย available, applications will be considered based on experience,ย education,ย andย special requirements.ย 
ย 
If your application is considered for anย appointedย assignment, the hiring department will contact,ย you.ย 
ย 
Minimum Qualificationsย 
Works under general supervision to perform a variety ofย professionalย duties that may require the use of limited independent judgment and skill processing,ย communicating, creating, and/orย maintainingย various records, files, and informationย regardingย specific departmental functions.ย 
ย 
Bachelor'sย degree.
ย 
Disclaimer
Thisย position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that areย substantially relatedย to potential job duties will be considered andย will notย automatically disqualify theย candidate.
ย 
Shelbyย County Residentย Disclaimer
Allย employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelbyย Countyย and shall continue toย resideย in the County as a condition of their employment.ย  The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees.ย  This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.ย  The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division ofย Correctionsย or the Fire Department.ย