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County Public Defender Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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County Public Defender information

What does a county public defender do?

A County Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that defendants receive fair legal representation and that their rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Public defenders handle a range of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may also assist with appeals and juvenile matters. They work within the local county jurisdiction and often manage large caseloads, advocating for their clients in court and negotiating with prosecutors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county public defender?

To thrive as a County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and strong legal research, litigation, and criminal defense skills. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases, and courtroom technology is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy are critical soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualities ensure effective advocacy, uphold clients' rights, and maintain justice within the legal system.

What are some typical challenges faced by county public defenders in balancing caseloads and providing effective representation?

County Public Defenders often manage high caseloads, which can make it challenging to devote sufficient time to each client. Balancing the demands of court appearances, case preparation, and client communication requires strong organizational skills and resilience. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair legal representation for all, often working closely with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys. Supportive team environments and ongoing training can help public defenders navigate these demands and continue to grow professionally.

What is the difference between County Public Defender vs County Assistant Public Defender?

AspectCounty Public DefenderCounty Assistant Public Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law license, relevant legal experienceSame as Public Defender, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentHandles complex cases, manages caseloads, supervises staffAssists Public Defender, handles assigned cases, supports team
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal defenseCounty government, criminal defense

The County Public Defender is the lead attorney responsible for managing the public defense office and handling complex cases, while the County Assistant Public Defender supports the Public Defender, manages assigned cases, and assists in case preparation. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same government and industry environment, but differ in responsibilities and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to County Public Defender jobs in Tennessee?

For County Public Defender jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Public Defender jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for County Public Defender jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for County Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most County Public Defender job openings:

County Public Defender jobs near you

Public Defender Corps Fellow/Law Clerk Temp (Public Defender)

Shelby County

Memphis, TN

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Summary 

Works under the direction of supervising attorneys to support representation of public defender clients.  Position provides services that support the representation of court appointed clients represented by the Law Office of The Shelby County Public Defender to the extent permitted by law, pending successful completion of the bar exam and full licensure to practice law in Tennessee. 

Pay Grade: 46H
 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Graduation from an accredited law school with proof of application to take the next scheduled Bar Exam required to become licensed to practice law in Tennessee. 

  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Conducts client engagement and interviews to support the representation of court-appointed clients served by the Law Office of The Shelby County Public Defender. 
  • Engages in limited practice under supervision permitted upon approval under relevant Supreme Court Rules. 
  • Provides general services to support representation of public defender clients as assigned, including research, analysis, drafting memoranda and briefs, and other tasks as assigned.  
  • Performs other related duties as directed or assigned. 

KSAs 

  • General knowledge of court and legal proceedings. 
  • Ability to conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda and pleadings. 
  • Ability to work with co-workers, clients and the public with courtesy and tact. 
  • Acceptance and willingness to employ a client-centered approach to representing clients. 

Special Requirements 

  • Must fulfill obligations required of Public Defender Fellows, including taking the Bar Exam and other exams or preliminary requirements to qualify for admission to practice law in Tennessee.  
  • A writing sample may be required. 

Disclaimer 

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer  

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections, or the Fire Department.

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