Job Description

Public Defender Position

This is a non-Civil Service announcement. Participates in the investigation of cases assigned to the Public Defender's Office. Performs related duties as required. 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 position is intended to focus specifically on major felony cases. Candidates who have experience working with case investigation and mitigation work on serious criminal cases are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, this position will work with our defense team specializing in Juvenile Court cases where the State is seeking transfer to the Adult Criminal Courts, so experience and/or interest working with adolescents and young adults is preferred.

Typical duties include:

• Investigates and prepares criminal cases.
• Examine, document and photograph crime scenes.
• Review and analyze discovery, including police reports and other case documentation.
• Locate and collect records.
• Work closely with experts in the following fields: Hair and fiber, Ballistics and firearms, Alcohol and drugs, Blood spatter and Fingerprints.
• Identify, locate, and Interview state and defense witnesses.
• Take detailed witness statements and perform background checks.
• Work closely with staff attorneys and other defense team members to determine the scope, timing, and direction of defense investigations.
• Serve subpoenas and testify in court about work conducted in the course of investigation.
• Diligently and thoroughly document all work and information gathered in PD data system.
• Establish rapport with clients and witnesses.
• Perform specialized services as needed

This is a non-supervisory classification. The employee receives general supervision and reports to a Criminal Investigator Chief, who is consulted on unusual or complicated matters involving an investigation or court proceeding.

Working conditions require employee to spend a great deal of time on field investigations, as well as inside research activities. The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations and may be required to work irregular hours and weekends. Requires some physical exertion such as walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, preferred. Experience may substitute for education. Driver's License. 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.

Preferred experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of criminal investigative techniques and procedures, the rules of evidence and court procedures, state and local laws and ordinances, the overall function of the judicial system and the various courts, the role of the law enforcement officers, probation officers and related personnel, the various diversionary programs, skill in making thorough investigations, skill in oral and written communications, ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, ability to draw logical conclusions based on facts, ability to obtain information through interviews and interrogation, ability to assess situations and people accurately and adopt an appropriate and effective course of action, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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