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Prosecutor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Paralegal

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... Prosecution and Litigation team in Knoxville, TN . This is a long-term contract opportunity with an initial one-year term and multiple option years, offering stability and the opportunity to gain ...

Patent Agent

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Work with outside patent counsel on domestic and international patent prosecution and manage matters for quality, consistency, cost, and strategic alignment. * Support foreign filing decisions and ...

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Paralegal

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$23.28 - $28.37/hr

Knoxville, TN One of our federal agency clients is seeking experienced and detail-oriented Paralegals to support its Criminal Prosecution and Litigation team in Knoxville, TN . This is a long-term ...

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Prosecutor information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$22

$42

How much do prosecutor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prosecutor in Tennessee is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prosecutor?

Prosecutors are legal professionals who represent the government in criminal cases. Their main responsibility is to present evidence in court to prove that a defendant is guilty of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. They work closely with law enforcement to investigate crimes, decide whether to file criminal charges, and advocate for justice in the courtroom. Prosecutors play a crucial role in ensuring that the legal process is fair and that the rights of both victims and defendants are protected.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prosecutor?

To thrive as a Prosecutor, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a license to practice law, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and evidence presentation technology is typically required. Strong public speaking, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and negotiation skills help set standout prosecutors apart. These competencies are essential for effectively representing the state, ensuring justice, and managing complex criminal cases in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges prosecutors face when managing a heavy caseload?

Prosecutors often handle a high volume of cases simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Balancing the demands of court appearances, meetings with law enforcement, and preparing evidence can be challenging. Effective prosecutors prioritize cases, delegate tasks when possible, and utilize case management systems to stay on track. They also work closely with colleagues and support staff to ensure deadlines are met and justice is served efficiently.

What is the difference between Prosecutor vs Public Defender?

AspectProsecutorPublic Defender
Required CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often experience in criminal lawJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often experience in criminal defense
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, legal officesPublic defender offices, courtrooms, legal clinics
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, criminal justice systemGovernment, criminal defense
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Prosecutors and public defenders both work within the criminal justice system but serve different roles. Prosecutors represent the government in prosecuting criminal cases, focusing on proving guilt. Public defenders provide legal defense for accused individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. While both require law degrees and bar licensure, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within criminal law.

How much do you get paid as a prosecutor?

Prosecutors' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and government level, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Entry-level prosecutors may start at lower salaries, while experienced attorneys or those in larger jurisdictions can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and pension plans.

What are popular job titles related to Prosecutor jobs in Tennessee?

For Prosecutor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Prosecutor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Prosecutor job openings:

Infographic showing various Prosecutor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,488 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Patent Prosecution Assistant (hybrid)

Merchant and Gould PC

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About the job
Merchant & Gould has been a leader in intellectual property law for more than 100 years. We are recognized as one of the most active filers of patents in the country, and are consistently rated among the top patent, copyright and trademark firms. We currently have an opportunity for a patent prosecution assistant. The salary range for the position is $35,000-$45,000, based years of experience.
Summary of Position (hybrid):
The Patent Prosecution Assistant plays a key role in supporting the firm's IDS segment, a resource responsible for managing complex IP matters and ensuring the accurate preparation and filing of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS). This role focuses on maintaining accurate IDS records and assisting with USPTO submissions. In addition, the assistant provides support in general patent prosecution.
IDS Specialist Duties:
  • Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules. Track and compile prior art references (patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature) cited in related cases across U.S. and foreign patent families.
  • Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
  • Coordinate with legal assistants and attorneys to verify citation accuracy and relevance before submission.
  • Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
  • Fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards to include, but not limited to: attorney client correspondence and communications.
  • Assist with special tasks or duties as requested by manager.
  • Adhere to internal timetable for handling and clearing the department docket.
  • Prepare, review and edit billing invoices
  • Save all communications in the appropriate document management system.
  • Assist with management of IDS inbox for large clients.
  • Forwarding IDS Instructions to outside vendor.
  • Serve as a mediator with outside vendor.
  • Address time-sensitive IDS action items.
  • Monitor docket for an urgent IDS deadline for the matter

General Patent Prosecution Support:
  • Assist legal assistants with the preparation and review of routine U.S. and foreign filing documents and correspondence.
  • Organize and maintain files in accordance with firm and client guidelines.
  • Retrieve documents and filings from the USPTO, WIPO, EPO, and other patent authority databases.
  • Track key deadlines and coordinate with legal assistants to ensure timely filing and compliance.
  • Help prepare materials for client reporting, billing entries, and internal audits.
  • Support special projects and general administrative needs within the patent prosecution group.

Other Requirements:
  • Additional responsibilities within the Drafting Department as a Patent Illustrator (Drafter) may be assigned based on workload and priorities determined by manager.
  • Creates patent drawings from sketches, instructions, or CAD files which are to scale and easy to interpret. Drawings must meet the Patent Office specifications.
  • Communicate with attorneys and staff to determine client needs and application deadlines.

Skills and Abilities Required:
  • 1-2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
  • Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with IP management systems.
  • Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Willingness to learn new skills/software as needed.
  • Position may require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Regular attendance at work.

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including: a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, and ten firm holidays.
To be considered, please apply online at Career Opportunities (merchantgould.com). You will need to provide a resume and professional references.
Merchant & Gould provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 1-612-332-5300.