Internship (Undergrad/High School)- Public Defender (Summer)
Metro Nashville
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Internship Enrolled Law Student - Public Defender (Summer)
Metro Nashville
Public Defender
Location
Nashville, Tennessee, 37210
Salary
Not specified
Type
Temporary
More Legal jobs →Closes
March 1, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This unpaid summer internship at the Metro Nashville Public Defender's Office lets law students help defend people who can't afford lawyers, from minor cases to serious ones like murder.
Interns will build client relationships, assist with investigations, observe court, and do legal research while learning about fair representation for underserved communities.
It's ideal for committed second- or first-year law students passionate about justice and public service who want hands-on experience to see if this career fits.
Key Requirements
- Current enrollment in law school (at least one semester completed for first-year students; three semesters for second-year)
- College degree required
- Qualify for supervised practice license under Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, § 10.03 (for second-year students representing clients)
- Familiarity with client-centered representation principles
- Commitment to serving marginalized communities and respecting human dignity
- Ability to work in courthouse/jail environments with moderate physical demands and safety precautions
Full Job Description
This is a non-Civil Service announcement. Our student volunteers support the work of the office in numerous ways. We strive to create a challenging but supportive educational environment for our interns. We hope our interns and volunteers will leave our program with a thorough understanding of our client-centered indigent defense practice and practical skills they can apply in the future, as well as a sense of discernment about whether a career as a public defender is right for them. Ideal candidates will be familiar with the principles of client-centered representation, and willing to practice in that model. 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. This internship is unpaid.
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.
Requirements
Interacting with and building relationships with clientsAssisting with investigation and mitigation work, including but not limited to reviewing case information, interviewing witnesses, visiting alleged crime scenes, and developing mitigation informationObserving and participate in negotiations with prosecutorsObserving and participate in courtroom proceedingsResearching and write legal memorandaDirectly representing clients in court proceedings if qualified for limited practice licenseOther duties as needed to further the zealous representation of our clients.SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVEDDepending on job assignment, interns will report directly to an Assistant Public Defender, Client Advocate, Investigator, or Legal Assistant.
All interns will receive additional training and supervision from the Assistant Deputy Public Defender and the Intern Coordinator.WORKING CONDITIONSWork involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse or jail environment, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working in crowded conditions, and working around persons imprisoned for a wide variety of illegal acts.
Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear.
Requires substantial physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.Typical Office Setting.
Qualifications For second year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with at least three completed semesters required, and also must qualify for supervised practice license pursuant to Tenn.
Sup. Ct.
Rule 7, § 10.03 For first year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with one completed semester required.For undergraduate and high school interns: high school diploma or full-time enrollment in high school, must be over 16.
If under 18 will need parent or guardian permission to volunteer.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.
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