The Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender is accepting applications for an Assistant Post-Conviction Defender position.
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 OPCD handles cases throughout Tennessee and travel is required. Please see www.tnpcdo.net for further details.
Assistant Post-Conviction Defenders work as part of a team under direction of a supervising attorney. Duties of the Assistant Post-Conviction Defenders include:
• Developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the client
• Reviewing and analyzing large volumes of documents and records
• Identifying potential legal claims and investigative needs
• Overseeing paralegals in record collection and investigators in field investigation
• Participating in investigation as needed
• Identifying experts and working with them in developing claims
• Performing legal research and collaborating with others in drafting extensive pleadings in the trial and appellate courts
• Working with the team to prepare for and conduct an evidentiary hearing in every post-conviction case
• Presenting oral arguments in appellate courts
• Staying abreast of developments in relevant case law
Minimum Requirements:
• Tennessee Bar license or obtaining one within a year of accepting the position
• Ability to travel extensively
• A valid driver’s license
Selection Criteria:
• Demonstrated commitment to capital defense, indigent criminal defense or public interest advocacy, and to zealous client-centered representation
• Highly developed writing and oral communication skills
• Ability to work closely with others within a team-based model of representation
• Ability to communicate effectively with people who may be mentally ill, intellectually disabled, or traumatized
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in capital or other criminal defense, complex civil litigation, or judicial clerkship
Interested candidates should send: 1) a cover letter discussing their experience, skills, and interest in death penalty work; 2) a resume; 3) three professional references; and 4) a writing sample to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.