Assistant Public Defender: Zealous Trial & Appellate Advocate

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelby County Public Defender in Tennessee seeks Assistant Public Defenders to provide zealous, ethical, client-centered legal representation to accused individuals in trial and appellate courts within Shelby County and the state.

Starting salaries range from about $71,000 to over $130,000, commensurate with experience, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, pension, and a 457(b) plan; a long-standing commitment to equal justice and cutting-edge practices in public defense is

Qualifications

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

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.

Job description

Shelby County Public Defender in Tennessee seeks Assistant Public Defenders to provide zealous, ethical, client-centered legal representation to accused individuals in trial and appellate courts within Shelby County and the state.

Starting salaries range from about $71,000 to over $130,000, commensurate with experience, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, pension, and a 457(b) plan; a long-standing commitment to equal justice and cutting-edge practices in public defense is