STAFF ATTORNEY - 79715

Annual Salary: $72,852 - $172,764. This position is designated as hybrid and requires a criminal background check.

About the Court

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals is one of the state's two intermediate appellate courts and hears appeals in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, as well as certain post-conviction matters. The Court reviews the written record and the parties' briefs and, in many cases, hears oral argument; it does not conduct trials, and no witnesses, juries, or testimony are presented. Decisions of the Court may be appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court by permission, except in capital cases, which follow an automatic review process. The Court sits in three grand divisions across the state. The Western Section is based at the courthouse in Jackson and serves the westernmost counties of Tennessee. As part of the judicial branch, the Court plays an essential role in the fair and consistent administration of criminal justice.

About the Role

The Staff Attorney performs highly responsible professional legal work in support of the judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section. Working under the direction of the Court, the Staff Attorney reviews motions and drafts proposed orders; screens appeals for procedural and jurisdictional problems; reviews and makes recommendations on applications for extraordinary appeals; and provides legal guidance to the appellate court clerks. A substantial portion of the work involves reviewing the records in capital and other complex cases and preparing clear, well-reasoned memoranda for the Court. This role calls for a careful, disciplined attorney who manages a heavy caseload without sacrificing quality, exercises sound judgment and discretion, and communicates professionally with judges, attorneys, court staff, and members of the public.

Responsibilities

• Review all motions filed with the Court and draft proposed orders.
• Conduct a daily review of motions filed on the C-Track case management system and promptly notify the assigned judge of any matter that needs to be addressed.
• Screen appeals for procedural and jurisdictional problems, and review and make recommendations on applications for extraordinary appeals.
• Review the court files in capital and other assigned cases and prepare clear, concise, well-reasoned memoranda, draft orders, and draft opinions that distill complex legal issues into accurate, accessible analysis.
• Provide sound legal guidance to the appellate court clerks and communicate clearly and respectfully with attorneys regarding procedure and court practices.
• Serve, as needed, as a professional and courteous point of contact for the public, maintaining professionalism and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Be present at oral argument and at the Jackson courthouse at the discretion and need of the Court.
• Manage a heavy caseload efficiently while maintaining high-quality work, prioritizing tasks well and using court computer systems, including C-Track, to keep the workload organized.
• Respond promptly to inquiries from judges and attorneys, meet deadlines consistently, and communicate clearly about timing and expectations.

Skills

• Superior legal research and writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda, orders, and opinions, and to distill complex legal issues into accurate, accessible analysis.
• Sound judgment and discretion, including the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity and to approach each case neutrally, without advocacy.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail across every stage of the work.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to manage a heavy caseload, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to tailor communication to the needs of judges, attorneys, and court staff, and to work well with each of them.
• Responsiveness and reliability, including prompt responses to inquiries and clear communication about timing and expectations.
• Professional presence, with the poise to serve as a point of contact for the public while maintaining professionalism, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Proficiency with court computer systems, including the ability to use the C-Track case management system, or the ability to learn it quickly.
• Commitment to the Court as an institution, including an understanding of and respect for the Court's role in the criminal justice system.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school and a current, valid license to practice law in Tennessee.
• Applicants must include a writing sample (no more than three pages) with their resume.
• A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Criminal law experience is highly preferred.
• Experience within the appellate system, including prior clerkship or staff attorney experience, is beneficial but not required. A strong appellate background in another practice area will be given serious consideration.