Description
The Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender (OPCD) is accepting applications for a Paralegal position. All levels of experience will be considered. Applications received by July 29, 2026, will receive priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Overview of the Office and the Position
The OPCD is an independent agency of the Tennessee state government. The agency represents people on Tennessee’s death row in appealing their convictions and sentences in state court, as well as in seeking clemency from the Governor. The office also provides noncase-specific assistance and educational resources to trial counsel appointed in capital cases. The OPCD handles cases throughout Tennessee and some travel is required. The office and the position are in Nashville. Please see www.tnpcdo.net for further details about the agency.
The paralegal will work on a team with attorneys and investigators to develop both guilt/innocence and sentencing claims on behalf of clients. The paralegal’s primary duties will include: 1) building and maintaining strong working relationships with clients, 2) maintaining an organized paper and digital case file, 3) locating, collecting, and processing records from various entities, as well as indexing records, 4) preparing and maintaining documents to track record collection attempts, deadlines, and other case-related tasks, 5) assisting attorneys with finalizing and filing pleadings, 6) performing factual research, 7) participating in limited field investigation, 8) handling administrative tasks related to working with experts, and 9) assisting with court hearings by preparing exhibits, assisting with subpoenaing witnesses, and helping manage witnesses in court.
Benefits and Compensation
Salary ranging from $58,548 to $105,888, based on years of relevant experience and level of education No state income tax Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as pharmacy benefits 10 weeks of paid parental leave Generous annual, sick, and compensatory time accrual, in addition to other types of leave Retirement program recognized as one of the strongest pension funds in the country Partial tuition fee waivers at state institutions of higher learning for state employees and discounts on undergraduate tuition for children of state employees Flexible work hours, including some ability to work remotely In-house and national training opportunities For more detailed information regarding the benefits of Tennessee state employees, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/hr/employees1/benefits.html.
Application Process
OPCD is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for all. OPCD strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subject to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Interested candidates should send: 1) a cover letter discussing their interest in capital defense work and qualifications for the paralegal position, 2) a resume, and 3) three professional references to apply@tnpcdo.net. Applicants must provide all the requested materials to be considered. Applications received by July 29, 2026, will be given priority. The position will remain open until filled.
Applicants will receive a questionnaire to complete once they submit their application materials. Interviews with final candidates will be conducted in person between August 12th and 24th. The selected candidate will have an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. If applicable, a successful candidate will need to relocate to Nashville by the starting date.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Commitment to providing high-quality representation to those convicted and sentenced to death
- Basic understanding of mental illness, intellectual disability, and trauma
- Ability to collaborate closely with others in a team setting
- Ability to communicate with and advocate on behalf of people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
- Clear oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite
- Ability to travel occasionally overnight
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends with advanced notice
- A High School diploma or G.E.D.
- A valid driver’s license
College degree or paralegal certificate, prior experience working in the criminal justice system, and experience with SharePoint are preferred.
