The Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender (OPCD) is accepting applications for an Assistant Post-Conviction Defender. Candidates with up to seven years of prior legal experience will be considered. The position is located in Nashville, TN.
The OPCD is an independent agency of the Tennessee state government. The agency represents people sentenced to death in Tennessee and provides non-case-specific assistance and educational resources to appointed counsel in capital cases. Direct representation focuses on the investigation and presentation of collateral claims in state courts, primarily in post-conviction proceedings. The office also represents clients in clemency proceedings. The OPCD handles cases throughout Tennessee and travel is required. Please see www.tnpcdo.net for further details about the agency.
Assistant post-conviction defenders work on teams with investigators and paralegals on behalf of clients to develop both guilt/innocence and sentencing claims, as well as grounds for clemency. The assistant defenders’ primary duties include developing and maintaining close working relationships with clients; review and analysis of voluminous records; identification of potential legal claims and investigative needs; oversight of investigation and record collection; consultation with experts; drafting of extensive legal pleadings; presentation of evidence at evidentiary hearings; oral arguments in appellate courts; and presentation of clemency applications to Governor’s staff.
The OPCD is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and healthy work environment for all employees. Salary is statutory and based on experience. Health insurance and other benefits are provided.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Tennessee law license or eligibility for admittance to Tennessee State Bar within six months of beginning employment
• Commitment to protecting the rights of indigent clients
• Ability to analyze complex issues
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to collaborate closely with others in a team setting
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with clients
• Ability to work and communicate with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with issues of mental health, trauma, and racial justice
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• Ability to travel within Tennessee, as well as out of state
• A valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in at least one of the following areas:
• Capital defense
• Trial or appellate criminal defense
• Complex civil litigation
• Judicial clerkship
Interested candidates should send: 1) a cover letter discussing their desire to work as a capital defense attorney and addressing their qualifications for the position; 2) a resume; 3) three professional references; and 4) a legal writing sample to [email protected]. Application deadline is April 9, 2021. Failure to submit all the materials will automatically disqualify an applicant from the process. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Interviews will be conducted remotely.
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