Office hours: Mon–Fri · 8:00am – 4:30pm · 201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01, Memphis

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(901) 222-2800
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Shelby County Public Defender
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Our Community

We are a Shelby County institution — rooted in this community for more than a century. The work of public defense extends beyond the courtroom.
A green MATA trolley marked Madison rolls along the rain-wet Main Street Mall in downtown Memphis, lined with green lampposts and hanging flower baskets

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Need help?

We’re here Monday – Friday

(901) 222-2800

Monday – Friday · 8:00am – 4:30pm

Main Office
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103

In the community

Related pages

News & Advocacy
The Humanity Project
Community Engagement
Re-Entry

The Shelby County Public Defender has served this community since 1917. We are not just a legal office — we are a part of this county, connected to the neighborhoods, cities, organizations, and people who make it up. That connection shapes everything we do.

Our Community Commitment

We believe that justice in the courtroom is inseparable from justice in the community. Mass incarceration, over-policing, and the criminalization of poverty are not abstract problems — they are realities our clients live every day. Our community work reflects that understanding. 

We partner with Memphis organizations that provide housing, employment, substance use treatment, mental health services, and re-entry support. We refer clients to these partners. We advocate for their funding. We show up at community events and forums. And we use what we learn in the community to be better advocates in court.

Community partners

Alliance healthcare services

We partner with Alliance Healthcare Services to provide support to clients in the Jericho Project and others with mental health needs.

Just City

Our attorneys frequently refer clients to Just City’s Memphis Community Bail Fund and Clean Slate Fund.

Memphis first united methodist church

We hold community meetings at Memphis First United Methodist Church, which provides hot meals and food assistance for people in need, including our clients.

Memphis Union Mission

We help clients secure temporary housing at the Memphis Union Mission, located just blocks from our offices.

Shelby County Division of Community Services

We work with the Division of Community Services to support clients and their needs, including through the Jericho Project.

Volunteer Memphis

Our attorneys serve the community through events organized by our friends at Volunteer Memphis.

Hospitality Hub

We refer clients who need housing support and other related services to Hospitality Hub, a short walk away from all our offices.

Get involved

Community partners, volunteers, and advocates — we want to hear from you.

Contact Us