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Recruitment Coordinator
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Rolling basis · Spring, Summer & Fall
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- Summer 2026 deadline
Applications close February 28, 2026. Interviews in March and April. Offers by May 1.
Our internship program, named in memory of our colleague Nigel Lewis, pairs law students with experienced attorneys to assist with all aspects of case preparation and courtroom advocacy. Students work and may represent clients in adult and juvenile courts — including in treatment courts focusing on mental health, substance use, and veterans — as well as on appeals and re-entry services to address collateral consequences.
Summer Internship
Our summer program runs for ten weeks, from late May through early August. Interns are embedded in an SCPD division — the Adult Trial Division, the Youth Trial Division, the Major Cases Team, or the Appellate Team — and work alongside attorneys on active cases. The placement is unpaid.
We accept all law student applicants. We do not require prior criminal law experience, but we do require a genuine interest in public defense as a career — not just as a resume line. We look for students who are drawn to this work, not students filling out a list.
Applicants should possess a passion for representing those whose liberties are at risk, an impeccable work ethic, an aptitude for oral advocacy, and strong research and writing skills.
Application timeline: summer internship
Starting September 1 of each year, we accept applications on a rolling basis. Offers are extended continuously until all positions are filled, which typically occurs by May 1. Early application to our summer program is strongly encouraged.
Academic credit opportunities
Whether you’re enrolled during the traditional academic year or seeking winter or summer opportunities, students can apply their time in our office toward course requirements. Credit options are offered in the fall, spring, winter break and summer. Clerks are placed with an attorney team and work on research, drafting, and case preparation throughout the semester.
Under Tennessee’s student practice rule, 2L and 3L clerks who have completed the required coursework may appear in court under attorney supervision — handling real arguments and real hearings before graduation.
Applications for academic year clerkships are accepted on a rolling basis. Please indicate whether you are applying for Spring, Summer, or Fall. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
Application Timeline: Academic Credit Opportunities
Applications for academic year clerkships are accepted on a rolling basis. Please indicate whether you are applying for Spring, Summer, or Fall. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and résumé using the link below. Please indicate whether you are applying for Spring, Summer, or Fall.
We do not use formal scoring rubrics. We read every application. We are looking for people who mean it.
Apply for an internship or clerkship
Deadline: Summer applications accepted starting September 1 of each year; Academic year law clerk applications accepted on rolling basis
Reflections from Former Interns
Andrew Searles
The Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender was a wonderful place to spend the summer after my first year of law school. The staff and other interns were welcoming, and the program gave me a good mix of structure and flexibility to make the most of my summer experience. I was in the court room every day — interviewing clients, scrutinizing police reports, researching legal issues, and helping to ensure that my lead attorneys had all the information they needed to provide the best possible defense.
Memphis in particular is a great place to work in public defense. As Chief Public Defender Phyllis Aluko told us at orientation, public defense is one of the key battlegrounds in today’s fight for civil rights. Memphis is a city with a long track record of involvement in civil rights work, so it’s a great place to advocate for the rights and dignity of historically marginalized communities.
I had great mentorship and training opportunities as a summer intern. Working directly under two assistant public defenders, I was able to develop close working relationships, get regular feedback on my work product, and see how experienced professionals handle the work of being a public defender. On top of the challenging, rewarding work, I also went through extensive weekly training sessions on everything from negotiation to cross-examination and sentencing arguments. The Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender is deeply invested in the summer internship experience.
Bridget Carolan
My summer at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender was incredible. Working under a supervising attorney, I was able to be in court or the jail almost every day — shadowing during hearings, interviewing clients, and doing legal research. In the afternoons, I would review discovery, expunge criminal records, and draft motions and memos.
My supervising attorney ended up going to jury trial on one of her cases this summer, which was extremely exciting. The other interns and I were involved in every aspect of trial prep — from legal research to drafting cross examination questions. During the trial, we supported the attorneys by doing research and creating a live transcript to identify inconsistencies in witness testimony.
Watching my supervising attorney fight hard for all of her clients and help them through some of the hardest moments of their life with compassion was inspiring and taught me so much about what it means to be a client-centered attorney.
Channell Cole
After interning at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office, I feel ready and prepared to be a zealous advocate for the indigent as a client-centered public defender. I had the opportunity to work on everything from arraignments and bail hearings to jury trials and appeals. In completing these assignments, I received one-on-one mentoring from attorneys who were invested in my success. The internship program at this office is unmatched and is the experience that has prepared me the most for my career after law school.
Taylor Dempsey
I absolutely loved my summer with the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender! As an intern with the office’s direct representation unit, I had the opportunity to conduct mitigation interviews, draft evidentiary motions, and write case strategy memos. My supervising attorney also went to trial twice during the summer, so I helped draft cross and direct examination questions, prepare witnesses, and strategize for voir dire.
Overall, the opportunity to witness such dedicated, client-centered representation and receive mentorship from outstanding attorneys solidified my dedication to a career in public defense and reminded me of why I love being able to say I’m from Memphis!
Madeline Enlow
Working at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender taught me abundantly more than I could ever have hoped. The assistant public defenders that I worked for were passionate about their work and led by example, showing me the value of client-centered representation each day. I was able to do hands-on work in court every day, interviewing clients, conducting research, and bettering my legal writing skills through memos and motions.
My fellow interns quickly became close friends, being my support system and some of my favorite laughs! This experience sparked a passion for public defense and gave me a community of genuine, hardworking attorneys that have become mentors and friends. (Madeline later joined SCPD full-time as an Assistant Public Defender and now serves on the Internship Committee.)
Fiona Furnari
As I start my legal career, I feel lucky to have spent my summer at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender. I had the chance to engage in substantive, interesting legal research and writing which ultimately generated an excellent writing sample; to receive mentorship from my supervisor and attorney mentor, both of whom I know will gladly give me more advice whenever I need it; and to work alongside clients in a truly client-centered practice — this last experience being the most important one.
As I’ve returned to law school this fall, I’ve brought with me the concrete skills we learned in workshops, the legal writing guidance I received from my team, and a renewed commitment to client-centered, zealous advocacy.
Christal King
When I embarked on my internship at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate. However, it far exceeded my expectations. I had the privilege of establishing professional relationships with attorneys who played a pivotal role in helping me complete the program. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to conduct both in-custody and out-of-custody client interviews, allowing me to gather crucial case information. Speaking with our clients and trying our best to help them was my favorite part of this program.
I had the opportunity to observe preliminary hearings, bond hearings, and other specialized activities. I was fortunate to attend Brown Bag lunches, where I had the honor of meeting and learning from prominent professionals, including the Mayor of Shelby County. Beyond the invaluable professional experiences, the internship offered enjoyable moments with the attorneys, including happy hours, field trips, and kickball games. Overall, this internship was extraordinary, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Alexia Klein
Before coming to the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, I was sure I wanted to use my law degree to help others, but I was unsure of how to accomplish this goal. The office helped me to realize that my legal purpose lay within public defense.
The internship began with an intensive one-week orientation where we were introduced to the importance of client-centered representation, the usage of storytelling, and a brief history of Memphis. Every week, we had a class on each step of the criminal case alongside a simulated exercise. My favorite workshop was the weekly office-wide attorney brainstorming sessions where interns and experienced public defenders could evaluate every aspect of a case and come up with cutting-edge strategic plans.
What impressed upon me that my role was within the criminal public defense space was my experience with my two supervising attorneys and my mentoring attorney. I spent every day in court fighting for the freedom of our clients — interviewing, assisting on bail hearings, and observing preliminary hearings. This experience confirmed that this was my path.
Tyrese Perry
Spending my summer at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender was an invaluable experience after my first year of law school. Not only was I given practical experience such as interviewing clients and preparing various documents, but the office was great for development and networking. My supervising attorney was deliberate in assigning me tasks and giving constructive feedback. The interns received weekly training, and my mentor took time to build a relationship and further enhance my practical knowledge.
The Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender provided me with everything a law student could hope for: developing practical skills, networking with outstanding attorneys and law students from around the country, and doing meaningful work in a supportive environment.
Sydney Mccullough
Interning at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender was an incredibly rewarding experience, providing me with the best hands-on experience in the field. I had the opportunity to work closely with passionate and dedicated attorneys who taught me invaluable skills. Whether it was conducting client interviews, legal research, or other day-to-day tasks, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and the vital role public defenders play in ensuring their clients receive the very best representation.
This internship widened my knowledge and instilled a sense of advocacy for the indigent. It was an enlightening and transformative experience that prepared me for a future in the field of public defense.
The Internship Committee
Carnita McKeithen
Carnita holds a B.S. in Psychology 2001 and J.D. from University of Tennessee 2006. Carnita began her career as an associate for a small boutique firm located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Then Carnita returned to her native city of Memphis to work as a Western District of Tennessee Federal clerk for the now Judge Bernice Donald, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Following her clerkship, she served as the Juvenile Justice, Termination, and Administrative Hearings Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services before embarking on a five-year solo law practice. Later, she closed her practice in 2016 and now serves as the Youth Trial Division Supervisor for the children of Shelby County as a Public Defender. Carnita is a member of the Gault Center Southern Regional Advisory Council, and a certified Juvenile Training Immersion Program “JTIP” trainer for the former National Juvenile Defender Center, now Gault Center The CJDC focuses on juvenile law issues in Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. In addition to the many things she has done professionally, Carnita serves the community through Life Community Outreach and has served on the National and International Mission fields.
Courtney Evans
Courtney graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.A. in Criminology and a zeal for public defense. While in law school at the University of Mississippi, Courtney began interning at SCPD and refused to leave. She also spent time working both as a case manager and a clinic student for the Mississippi Innocence Project while in law school. Because her own internship experiences with SCPD had an enormous impact on her personally and professionally, Courtney is eager to be a resource and mentor to incoming interns. When she has free time, she can usually be found reading or ranting about something. And she’s pretty much always down for a coffee run.
Devarius D. Minor
Devarius started with the office in summer 2019 as an intern. Devarius is currently assigned to the Adult Trial Division where he is appointed cases in General Sessions and Criminal Court. He has also worked with the Youth Trial Division, advocating for youth impacted by the justice system.Devarius received his B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Middle Tennessee State University with a minor in Criminology. He then attended the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law where he received his J.D. During his time in law school he served as a student ambassador, a graduate assistant for the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and a qualified student attorney with the Neighborhood Preservation Clinic. He also served as the President of the Black Law Student Association, while simultaneously serving as the Southern Region Director of the National Black Law Students Association. Devarius also competed on one of the law school’s mock trial travel teams, where they placed 3rd in the region. He was a D’Army Bailey scholarship recipient, graduated with over 200+ pro bono hours, and received several accolades for all of his achievements. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his dog Storm.
Elizabeth Shearon
Eric Elms
Eric is a supervising attorney with the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender and co-leader of the Law Clerk Internship Program. Eric also shares the supervisory duties over Team Justice, which is a 38-member team that works primarily in 7 divisions of court, including the Drug Court. Eric maintains a felony drug caseload in both General Sessions and Criminal Court as well. A native of the Memphis area, Eric graduated from Rhodes College and then spent a couple of years in Nashville working as a Legislative Research Analyst with the Tennessee General Assembly until returning to law school at the University of Memphis. Eric started as an intern in this office his first summer of law school and has been here on the front lines of justice ever since. “Nothing is more rewarding than working toward the goal of insuring the constitutional promise of impartial and fair justice for the members of our community. Welcome aboard interns!”
Glover Wright
Glover serves as Chief Administrative Officer of the Shelby County Public Defender, overseeing the operational infrastructure that supports the work of more than 140 staff. Glover carries responsibility for both organizational operations and for the quality of legal representation the office provides.A graduate of Columbia College and Columbia Law School, Glover is originally from Humboldt, Tennessee. Glover is an alumni faculty member of Gideon’s Promise, a nationwide public defender training program; sits on the Amicus and Training committees of the National Association for Public Defense; and is a former board member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has taught client centered representation and trial skills to lawyers from around the country, including at programs in Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. He also has a Master’s in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from the University of Memphis.
Jack Pullis
Since he was seven years old, Jack knew he was going to be a criminal defense lawyer. Jack grew up with his homeless uncle, Tom, and saw first-hand how difficult life can be for the people society often ignores. Jack came to realize he could help the poor and defend the accused through public defense. One day, he called the office’s front desk, asked for a job, and was hired two months later as an assistant public defender. Jack graduated with a philosophy degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; he graduated from law school at the University of Memphis. Jack loves defending indigent clients and is grateful every day that he is a part of the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender. Jack enjoys running, reading, and getting annoyed by his cat Sprout.
Jackson Dimmick
Jackson defends the interests of our clients in both general sessions and the Mental Health Court program in division 9. Jackson attended Southern Illinois University Law School where he was a member of the Law Journal and the Chief Justice of the Moot Court Board. Jackson has always wanted to fight against tyrannical systems of power. When he came to work for the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender as a law student he found the office to be the perfect place to be a part of that fight. Jackson now lives in Memphis permanently with his fiancé and dog. Jackson is building a list of the best restaurants in Memphis and is always looking for suggestions.
Leigh Dickey
Madeline Enlow
After graduating from Pepperdine Law in Malibu, California, Madeline was eager to return to the South and begin her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the office that sparked her passion for criminal defense. Madeline interned at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender as a law student in the summers of 2023 and 2024. Her experiences then shaped who she is today, and Madeline is excited to be a resource and mentor to incoming interns that may be experiencing this work for the first time, just as she was years ago. Although Madeline is a Memphis transplant, the city quickly felt like home. In her free time, Madeline enjoys trying local coffee spots, watching reality television, and playing with her puppy, Vinny.
Meigan Thompson
Meigan serves a supervising attorney in the Adult Trial Division of the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender. Renowned for her dedication and fierce advocacy, Meigan is committed to defending the rights of her clients and striving to divert as many individuals as possible from the criminal justice system. Her approach to legal practice is deeply rooted in the human experience, focusing on how carceral systems impact the lives of those she represents. In 2020, Meigan founded The Humanity Project, a unique storytelling initiative documenting the experiences of individuals incarcerated during the coronavirus pandemic. Through recorded narratives and detailed descriptions, The Humanity Project shed light on the realities faced by the incarcerated during an unprecedented global crisis. This impactful work culminated in an October 2020 profile in The Washington Post, which featured a ‘day in the life’ segment, following Meigan through one hour of her routine and highlighting her commitment to her clients and justice reform. Before embarking on her legal career in 2017, Meigan was deeply involved in social justice advocacy. In Mississippi, she organized communities to address youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Her work also extended to health justice issues, where she led advocacy campaigns with the Mississippi Center for Justice. Meigan is a Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Program Fellow (class of 2017). She earned her J.D. from the University of California Irvine Law School, a M.S. from Delta State University in Community Development and a B.A. from Spelman College in Spanish.
Melody D. Carlisle
Melody graduated from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law with her J.D. and LL.M. in International Human Rights Law in 2016. Prior to law school, she worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague as a courtroom clerk. She went to law school planning to return to The Hague and build a career in international law, but the more she learned about the criminal justice system in the United States, she realized that becoming a public defender is the human rights work of our time. After interning with the Kanawha County Public Defender’s office in Charleston, West Virginia in her 3L year, she went on to become an assistant public defender in Shelby County, Tennessee in 2016 as a Gideon’s Promise Fellow through the Law School Partnership Program. Melody has worked in the specialty Mental Health Court, the Youth Trial Division, and the specialty Domestic Violence Court throughout her time as an assistant public defender, representing thousands of clients on cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. She is passionate about providing client-centered representation and advocates fiercely to ensure the State confronts the humanity in each person she represents.Along with her passion for advocacy, Melody is committed to finding balance between work and the rest of life as a cornerstone of sustainability as an assistant public defender. She is assisted in this endeavor by her husband, her daughter, and their two giant dogs. Together, they enjoy all that the wonderful city of Memphis has to offer. She also enjoys singing in her church choir.
Robert Ennis
Robert originates from southern Indiana and is an attorney with the law office of the Shelby County Public Defender. Robert graduated from Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana with an associate’s degree in general studies and St. John’s University in Queens with a bachelor’s degree in print-journalism. After his undergraduate work, Robert enrolled at Brooklyn Law School with the express goal of becoming a public defender. While in law school, he externed with the Veteran Advocacy Project and spent both his 1L and 2L summers interning with the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender. Robert enjoyed his summer internships with the office so much that he was eager to come back to Shelby County full time after graduating. Outside of work, he is known for his love of chili cheeseburgers from Cook Out and riding his road bike as often as he can.
Ryan Wiley
Seth Segraves
Seth is an attorney in the Adult Trial Division with over a decade of experience trying cases all over Tennessee. Seth has worked exclusively in Criminal Defense throughout his career in both private practice and indigent defense. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Seth believes that the work is never done, and that we are never finished striving and fighting for the rights of our clients and for our future. Seth was listed in the Top 40 under 40 for Criminal Defense by National Trial Lawyers and is committed to assuring our clients’ due process by zealous advocacy and ferocious litigation. Seth believes that the best approach to representation is not asking if we will win for our clients, but how will we win for our clients. Seth was featured on the A&E Series “Accused: After the Verdict” for his work assisting in overturning the First-Degree Murder conviction of Angel Bumpass and securing the eventual dismissal of her case. Seth obtained his J.D. from the University of Memphis and his B.S. in Business Administration from Bethel University. Seth is a dedicated father who enjoys karaoke, Lego, video games, and painting in his spare time.
Vincent Ores, Jr.
Vincent serves as an attorney administrator in the Adult Trial Division, bringing nearly two decades of experience to Shelby County’s criminal justice system. Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for the best interests of his clients, demonstrating unwavering commitment and expertise in his field.
As the supervising public defender of the Mental Health Court program, Vincent has played a pivotal role since the program’s inception in 2016. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the program’s development and ensuring its continued success.
Beyond his legal responsibilities, Vincent is also dedicated to fostering future public defenders. He co-leads the office Internship Program. Under his guidance, these internship programs have expanded significantly, now attracting students from across the country.
Vincent’s daily inspiration to fight for racial justice and systemic change stems from his personal experiences. As a native Memphian and a product of Memphis-city public schools, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals in Shelby County. Having lost family members, friends, and many others to the local criminal justice system, Vincent’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his lived reality.
Vincent holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis, along with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Criminology from the same institution. Vincent enjoys supporting the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Tigers and cooking his favorite Filipino dishes.
Ready to apply?
Send your cover letter and résumé to vincent.ores@shelbycountytn.gov. Spring, Summer, and Fall placements available. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.