Organization & Legal Authority

The County Attorney is appointed by the County Mayor with the approval of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. The office of the county attorney was created by Section 3.08 (A) of the Shelby County Charter. The staff consists of full-time and part-time assistant county attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

The powers and duties of the County Attorney are specified in the County Charter and in various county ordinances. The Office of the Shelby County Attorney receives opinion requests from various county offices and elected officials. It manages contract negotiations and represents the County in all threatened and potential litigation. The County Attorney’s Office also processes public records requests, which are governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act, as codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-501, et seq.

General Responsibilities

The County Attorney’s Office provides the following services:

• Provides legal advice to the County Mayor, County Commissioners, elected county officials, and County departments, divisions, and offices
• Represents Shelby County in lawsuits
• Reviews and/or drafts all ordinances, resolutions, and state legislation applicable to Shelby County Government
• Approves the form of county contracts
• Determines whether a proposed policy meets applicable laws
• Provides oversight to the Risk Management Department

Contact Us

The Shelby County Attorney’s Office is located on the Ninth Floor of the County Administration Building. View the department's staff directory to contact specific county attorneys.