The Shelby County Public Defender’s Legal Fellows program provides opportunities for outstanding law school graduates who have not yet passed the bar exam to help provide high-quality, client-centered legal representation to indigent people in the justice systems of Shelby County, Tennessee.
Competitive candidates, who may be hired as full-time assistant public defenders after becoming licensed attorneys, will have a deep and demonstrated commitment to the defense of indigent people; excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; the proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently; and a strong work ethic.
Established in 1917 as the first public defender east of the Mississippi, the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender has a long legacy as a regional and national leader in standing up for equal justice. We are committed to cutting-edge practices in representing more than 30,000 adults and children each year at every level of the justice system, from municipal court to the United States Supreme Court. We are proud to stand up for the vulnerable people of Shelby County — one of the nation’s most important cultural centers, with a deep history of struggle for racial and economic justice.
We accept fellowship applications on a rolling basis.
Position Summary
The Legal Fellow’s primary responsibility is to help the Shelby County Public Defender provide zealous, high-quality, ethical, and client-centered legal representation to accused people in the trial and appellate courts of Shelby County and the State of Tennessee.
Core Competencies
- Communication — Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and to build meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Collaboration — Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with colleagues and to work independently when appropriate.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively, especially in public courtroom settings to juries and judges.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
- Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to clients, colleagues, and others.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Work Ethic — dedication, responsibility, and commitment to achieving goals.
Education and Other Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited law school.
- Willingness and ability to attain bar licensure in Tennessee.
- Must reside in Shelby County, Tennessee, before employment starts.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- Experience as an intern or extern in an established public defender office or other demonstrated commitment to the defense of indigent people in the justice system and to the mission, vision, and values of the Shelby County Public Defender.
- Knowledge of, and the ability to learn and apply, substantive and procedural criminal law, legal research and writing skills, and trial practice skills.
- Specialized knowledge in areas that are important to defense advocacy on behalf of underprivileged people, including the collateral consequences of arrests and convictions; government programs and social service providers that work with vulnerable people; and rules and regulations applicable to law enforcement and penal institutions.
- Proficiency in the use of relevant technology, including case management systems.
- Optimistic outlook combined with the humor, integrity, and patience necessary to help build and sustain a positive and supportive office culture.
- Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Adaptability to change and considerable variety in the workplace.
Compensation and Benefits
Legal Fellows are hired as temporary employees of Shelby County Government. No benefits are provided.
Memphis is one of the least expensive major cities in the country, with a low cost but high standard of living.
Statement on Equal Employment Opportunities
The Shelby County Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ethnicity, class, public benefit, political view, military status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family structure, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic predisposition or carrier status, age, disability, experience as a victim, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state or local law.
