ANTICIPATED ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER POSITION

26th Judicial District Public Defender's Office Jackson, Tennessee The 26th Judicial District Public Defender's Office is accepting materials from attorneys, recent law school graduates, and recent Tennessee Bar Examination applicants who may be interested in potential employment as an Assistant Public Defender which serves Madison, Chester, and Henderson Counties. About the Office The 26th Judicial District Public Defender's Office represents individuals accused of criminal offenses throughout Madison, Chester, and Henderson Counties. Assistant Public Defenders in our office receive substantial courtroom experience and are entrusted with meaningful responsibility early in their careers. Our attorneys regularly appear in General Sessions, Circuit, City, and Juvenile Courts and handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony prosecutions. Attorneys in the office have the opportunity to develop as a trial lawyer through daily courtroom advocacy, motion practice, client counseling, negotiation, legal research, and jury trials. We are particularly interested in applicants who want to be in the courtroom, try cases, and advocate for people whose liberty is at stake. Recent Graduates and Bar Applicants Encouraged to Apply Applicants are not required to have prior criminal defense experience to apply. Recent law school graduates and individuals who have recently taken the Tennessee Bar Examination are encouraged to apply. Applicants awaiting bar examination results may be considered for a future position, with employment as an Assistant Public Defender contingent upon satisfying applicable Tennessee licensure and employment requirements. The Office values applicants who demonstrate sound judgment, strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to providing high-quality representation to indigent defendants. Responsibilities May Include Representing clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses; Conducting client interviews and maintaining regular communication with clients; Reviewing discovery and investigating factual and legal defenses; Negotiating cases with prosecutors; Researching and drafting motions, briefs, and other pleadings; Litigating suppression hearings and other pretrial motions; Conducting preliminary hearings, bench trials, and jury trials; Preparing witnesses and developing trial strategy; and Providing zealous, professional, and client-centered representation at every stage of a criminal case. Ideal Candidates Successful candidates should possess: A J.D. from an accredited law school; Admission to the Tennessee Bar, eligibility for admission, or recent completion of the Tennessee Bar Examination; Strong written and oral advocacy skills; The ability to manage a substantial caseload and competing deadlines; Professionalism and sound judgment; A willingness to accept responsibility and appear regularly in court; and A commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals accused of crimes. Prior courtroom or criminal law experience is helpful but not required . Law school clinics, internships, externships, moot court, trial advocacy programs, and other practical experience will be considered. Compensation Compensation for any future position will be determined in accordance with applicable Tennessee Public Defender Conference salary schedules, available funding, experience, and qualifications at the time a position is authorized. How to Express Interest Interested applicants should submit: A cover letter; Resume; and Information regarding Tennessee bar admission status or anticipated admission. Applicants awaiting Tennessee Bar Examination results should indicate the examination administration they completed and their anticipated admission status. Application materials will be maintained for consideration should an Assistant Public Defender position become available. The 26th Judicial District Public Defender's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay:

$71,940.00 - $188,508.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person