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

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.