Assistant Public Defender- Juvenile

The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer.  Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases.  Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case.  Our attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff take great pride in providing a high level of service.
 
This is a non-Civil Service announcement. 

The Office is seeking to hire an attorney to fill the position of Assistant Public Defender; this posting is for an experienced attorney position with the juvenile division of the office. 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. Experience with supervision and/or management is also preferred.

• Representing Juvenile clients in Juvenile Court on both delinquency and Guardian ad Litem case
• Working collaboratively with other defense team members, including investigators, social workers, and legal assistants. 
• Familiar with the principles of client-centered representation, and willing to practice in that model.

• Doctor of Jurisprudence
• Three of more years of professional legal experience

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.

• Supervisory experience
• Courtroom and trial experience
• Experience as a public defender or in indigent criminal defense
• Prior experience representing juvenile clients.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Supervises employees in division in accordance with established organizational structure to ensure that short and long range goals are met.
Receives supervision from Juvenile Court Team Leader and reports to Public Defender or designee, who is consulted on complex or usual matter.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse or juvenile detention, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working in crowded conditions, working around children with behavioral challenges or those charged with delinquency offenses. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear. Work requires travel, mainly throughout Davidson County. Requires substantial physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. 
   
Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
 
Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Candice Humphrey at 615-862-5565 or CandiceCHumphrey@jisnashville.gov

    Must submit Resume, Cover Letter, & Writing Sample