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Public Defender Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mercer University

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Mercer University

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Andrew C Beasley PLLC

Attorney

Nashville, TN · On-site

$115K/yr

Former prosecutor or public defender experience strongly preferred: We have 2 former DA's, 1 former PD, and 1 former Magistrate on staff. While we value the prosecutor mindset, we also highly value ...

Andrew C Beasley PLLC

Attorney

Nashville, TN · On-site

While we value the prosecutor mindset, we also highly value the client management skills of a Public Defender for this role • High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): You must be able to navigate ...

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Public Defender information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.4K

$97.6K

$167.5K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Tennessee is $97,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $121,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a public defender?

A 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 all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Tennessee? For Public Defender jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in TN? For Public Defender jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,599 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

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

Shelby County

Memphis, TN • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 11 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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