Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

This is a non-Civil Service announcement. The Office is seeking to hire an attorney or graduating law school student interested in working for the Office. We also hire law school graduates seeking admission to the Tennessee bar and qualify for supervised practice certification under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7. To fill the position of Assistant Public Defender candidates must be licensed to practice law in Tennessee or licensed to practice law in another state AND capable of becoming licensed in the State of Tennessee within six months. Typical responsibilities include representing clients in General Sessions Court, Criminal Court, and Juvenile Court, and working collaboratively with other defense team members, including investigators, social workers, and legal assistants. The Metropolitan Public Defender's Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case. Our attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff take great pride in providing a high level of service.

Major job responsibilities include representing, as counsel, indigent defendants charged with felonies and/or misdemeanors. Consults with District Attorney. Consults with and advises other attorneys in the office on cases. Analyzes legal and/or factual aspects of clients' cases. Refers clients for proper medical and psychiatric assistance. Refers clients to other resources or agencies for assistance. Performs necessary investigations, including interviewing clients, gathering evidence, legal research, investigating locations critical to cases, and obtaining social, medical, criminal, psychiatric, and educational histories of clients. May lead or supervise Criminal Investigators and a clerical support staff. Receives general supervision and reports to Public Defender or designee, who is consulted on complex or unusual matters. Work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse or jail environment, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working in crowded conditions, and working around persons imprisoned for a wide variety of illegal acts. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear. Requires substantial physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.

Education and experience required include Doctor of Jurisprudence. Knowledge of the principles of criminal law and proceedings, including docketing, bonding, and sheriff's procedures. Knowledge of the administrative functioning of the criminal justice system. Knowledge of legal principles, including civil, constitutional, and administrative law. Skill in courtroom practice. Ability to analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to specific problems. Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically. Ability to analyze cases and make tactical decisions. Ability to prepare briefs. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to deal courteously with the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Licensed to practice Law in the State of Tennessee, or application to practice law in the State of Tennessee pending. Must submit Resume, Cover Letter, and Writing Sample. Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply. Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations. Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.