Investigator – Civil Rights Enforcement Division
The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office is a full-service law firm, representing the State in litigation, transactional matters, and investigations and providing day-to-day legal advice to a wide variety of state entities and officials. The Office’s Civil Rights Enforcement Division enforces the Tennessee Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on certain protected characteristics in housing, employment, public accommodations, and education. The Division investigates discrimination complaints, resolves complaints through both formal and informal mediations, and when necessary, files lawsuits on behalf of complainants and the State of Tennessee. Its office is in Nashville, but the Division has statewide enforcement authority.
Job Overview:
Investigators in the Civil Rights Enforcement Division play a critical role in protecting Tennesseans from unlawful discrimination. They investigate allegations of discrimination by gathering, reviewing, and analyzing evidence using a variety of investigative tools. Investigators work alongside assistant attorneys general in the Division, and under the supervision of the Division Director.
Primary Job Duties:
- Conduct investigations into complaints of civil-rights discrimination by using a variety of investigative tools, including interviewing complainants, witnesses, and alleged violators, and collecting and examining records, policies, and other documents
- Document investigative findings and recommendations in detailed written reports
- Assist Division attorneys in preparing matters for settlement negotiations and litigation
- Provide investigative assistance to Division attorneys during litigation, especially during discovery and in preparation for trial
- Monitor compliance with corrective actions, including settlement agreements and court orders
- Collaborate with attorneys, other investigators, support staff, and Division leadership and with the Division’s federal partners; and
- Perform in compliance with the law and office policies and in furtherance of the Office’s mission, vision, and values
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least three years of experience conducting civil or criminal investigations;
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
- Proficiency in interviewing and fact-finding;
- Experience drafting detailed investigative reports;
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Experience developing multiple investigations simultaneously;
- Experience utilizing case management software to store and share files, update the status of cases, and share case information;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Available to work occasional extended hours and travel with little notice; and
- Possess a valid Tennessee driver license
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least five years of experience conducting civil or criminal investigations;
- Experience investigating alleged violations of state and federal civil rights laws (e.g., the Tennessee Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act) or other public-protection laws (e.g., state consumer protection laws, state or federal false claims acts);
- Familiarity with case law and legal frameworks specific to the Tennessee Human Rights Act and similar federal laws;
- Experience utilizing document-review platforms to review and analyze documentary evidence gathered in investigations and litigation; and
- Experience in data analysis, including using data-analysis technology.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three professional references to pete.sullivan@ag.tn.gov.