Internship Enrolled Law Student - Public Defender (Fall)

About the role

This is a non-Civil Service announcement. Our student volunteers support the work of the office in numerous ways. We strive to create a challenging but supportive educational environment for our interns. We hope our interns and volunteers will leave our program with a thorough understanding of our client-centered indigent defense practice and practical skills they can apply in the future, as well as a sense of discernment about whether a career as a public defender is right for them. Ideal candidates will be familiar with the principles of client-centered representation, and willing to practice in that model. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, and the ability to recognize and respect the human dignity of every person.

Responsibilities

• Interacting with and building relationships with clients
• Aiding in investigation and mitigation work, including reviewing case information, interviewing witnesses, visiting alleged crime scenes, and developing mitigation information
• Observing and participating in negotiations with prosecutors
• Observing and participating in courtroom proceedings
• Researching and writing legal memoranda
• Directly representing clients in court proceedings if qualified for limited practice license
• Other duties as needed to further the zealous representation of our clients.

Supervision Exercised/Supervision Received

Depending on job assignment, interns will report directly to an Assistant Public Defender, Client Advocate, Investigator, or Legal Assistant. All interns will receive additional training and supervision from the Assistant Deputy Public Defender and the Intern Coordinator.

Working Conditions

Work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse or jail environment, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working in crowded conditions, and working around persons imprisoned for a wide variety of illegal acts. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear. Requires substantial physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities. Typical Office Setting.

Minimum Qualifications

• For second year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with at least three completed semesters required, and also must qualify for supervised practice license pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, 10.03
• For first year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with one completed semester required.
• For undergraduate and high school interns: high school diploma or full-time enrollment in high school, must be over 16. If under 18 will need parent or guardian permission to volunteer.

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Benefits

Full-time, Civil Service positions - 10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service) 1 Sick Day per month 12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions - 20 vacation days per year 3 Personal days per year 1 Sick Day per month 12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.

Application Information

• 01 I am eligible for a supervised practice license (must have completed at least 1/2 of required credits towards obtaining J.D. - see https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/rule_7_section_10.03qa06122017.pdf)
• 02 Have applied for an internship in the past?
• 03 If yes, which semester?