Assistant Public Defender

Position Description The Shelby County Public Defender is hiring Assistant Public Defenders to provide high-quality, client-centered legal representation to qualified people in the criminal legal systems of Shelby County, Tennessee. Salaries range from $71,000+ to $130,000+ commensurate with experience.

Competitive candidates will have a deep and demonstrated commitment to public defense; excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; the proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently; and a strong work ethic.

Established in 1917 as the first public defender east of the Mississippi, the Shelby County Public Defender has a long legacy as a national leader in standing up for equal justice. We are committed to cutting-edge practices in representing more than 20,000 adults and children each year at every level of the justice system, from municipal court to the United States Supreme Court. We are proud to stand up for the vulnerable people of Shelby County — one of the nation’s most important cultural centers, with a deep history of struggle for racial and economic justice.

Position Summary

The Assistant Public Defender’s primary responsibility is to provide zealous, high-quality, ethical, and client-centered legal representation to accused people in the trial and appellate courts of Shelby County and the State of Tennessee.

Job Responsibilities

• Represent the stated interests of clients zealously and ethically while providing counsel.
• Immediately work to establish relationships of trust and confidence with clients and communicate regularly, compassionately, and respectfully on behalf of and with clients.
• Investigate factual bases for allegations and obtain and review all relevant information.
• Evaluate the State’s evidence and consider inconsistencies, potential avenues of impeachment of State witnesses, and other possible suspects and alternative theories.
• Develop creative and complete defense theories and case strategies.
• When representing clients with mental health issues, work particularly closely with them to ensure they understand their options — and explore all mental state questions that might be raised.
• Study the federal and Tennessee constitutions, statutes, and decisions to keep abreast of the law and identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to obtain favorable dispositions in keeping with clients’ stated interests.
• Prepare, draft, and file legal documents including motions, orders, briefs, and sentencing memoranda.
• Prepare in advance for court proceedings.
• Conduct hearings and trials.
• Investigate matters related to sentencing and prepare and present arguments for favorable sentencing.
• Document and maintain client files and other administrative tasks and management functions related to the practice of law including review and preparation of dockets.
• Appear in courts as needed to represent clients and/or assist colleagues or the office generally.
• Connect clients to community-based assistance including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, education and job training assistance, and mentorship programs.
• Advocate for clients’ social needs and life goals, including assisting with collateral consequences of justice system involvement and post-disposition matters like expungements, court costs waivers, and restoration of rights and privileges.
• Continuously improve by building new skills and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with other staff in realizing the Public Defender’s mission and vision through contributing to and improving existing projects and new project development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

The assistant public defender reports to a supervising attorney as well as to an attorney administrator.

Compensation And Benefits Salary is based upon experience; starting salary ranges from about $71,000 for new lawyers to more than $130,000 for experienced attorneys. Benefit options include medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance through Cigna, as well as a pension and an optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Shelby County is one of the least expensive major metropolitan areas in the country, with a low cost but high standard of living.