Divisional Counsel Eastern Division – Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission

The Office of Appointed Counsel Commission (ACC) is seeking a qualified attorney for the position of Divisional Counsel for the eastern grand division who will establish and provide leadership for an office in the Knoxville area.

This position will initially assist the Interim Executive Director in the implementation of the new structure for delivery of indigent services in Tennessee and establishing the ACC. During the implementation period, Divisional Counsel will also provide legal support for the Indigent Services Team at the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Led by the Interim Executive Director, the ACC will assume responsibility for appointing lawyers for indigent representation in criminal cases where the office of the district public defender has a conflict and in child welfare cases. The ACC will employ full-time and/or part-time employees, including attorneys, in each grand division to implement and oversee the program. The program will institute various contractual arrangements with private attorneys to provide representation.

After the ACC is established, the Divisional Counsel will maintain a limited caseload in the eastern grand division in either criminal defense or child welfare cases  . Reporting to the Interim Executive Director, the Divisional Counsel will coordinate and communicate with court system staff regarding dockets and cases in the eastern grand division. When the ACC is appointed to provide counsel in a pending matter, the Divisional Counsel will assign or supervise/approve the assignment process of contracted counsel. Divisional Counsel will communicate with contracted counsel, serve as a resource and mentor as appropriate, provide initial approval of investigators, experts, and support services within the policies set out by the ACC, supervise support staff, provide general oversight for the eastern grand division office and serve as the first level response to concerns or questions of parties who are represented by counsel provided by the Office.

Qualifications/Experience: The successful applicant must be an attorney licensed in Tennessee with at least ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney. The majority of the applicant’s practice must be as a criminal defense attorney, public defender, guardian ad litem or representing parents in child welfare cases. The successful applicant must have first chair trial experience and completion of significant Continuing Legal Education in criminal law or child welfare cases. Demonstrated strong communication, the ability to build and manage teams, and strategic planning skills are required.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered for this position. 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer