Jobs & Internships

The Tennessee Innocence Project

Title: Staff Attorney - Memphis

Position type: Full time, exempt 

Salary: Starting $67,000. Candidates of all experience levels should apply, and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Professional development, health insurance, short-term/long-term disability insurance, optional 401k, flexible work schedule, paid time off.

We are seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to assist in investigating and litigating claims of actual innocence made by Tennesseans. This position is in our Memphis office and is not a remote position.

As counsel with TIP’s legal team, this attorney will represent clients claiming actual innocence in postconviction matters to achieve: (1) a vacated conviction or sentence; (2) dismissal of all charges, and (3) release from prison. All levels of experience (including 2026 law school graduates) are invited to apply. Candidates should highlight any experiences in criminal justice or complex litigation that set them apart.  

QUALIFICATIONS

·               Admission to the Tennessee Bar required

·               Ability to travel throughout Tennessee required

·               Forensic science background preferred

·               All experience levels will be considered

KEY COMPETENCIES

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills;

·        Ability to set and follow internal deadlines (self-motivated and self-disciplined);

·        Strong organizational abilities and time management skills;

·        Dedication to indigent defense and TIP’s mission, and

·        Focus and retention skills to investigate and analyze complex cases.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES

·        In-court experience conducting preliminary hearings, oral arguments or evidentiary hearings; 

·        Experience or training in actual innocence litigation;

·        Experience preparing complex petitions or briefs in state or federal courts; and

·        Understanding of Tennessee’s post-conviction remedies.

APPLY

Applicants should e-mail as attachments a cover letter, resume, and three references to Hayden MacMath hayden@tninnocence.org. Include “Staff Attorney - Memphis” in the subject line. Applicants may attach an optional writing sample (no longer than 45 pages). Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted directly. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. This is a rolling application process. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis.

The Tennessee Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture for all employees.

The Tennessee Innocence Project is pleased to announce that we will begin reviewing applications for our 2026 Summer Clerkship positions in January. These positions are open to law students in Nashville and Memphis.

About the Opportunity:

· Our 10-week summer clerkships provide law students with hands-on experience in post-conviction innocence work.

· Clerkships are available in both our Memphis and Nashville offices.

· Although unpaid, these positions offer a valuable chance to contribute to the fight against wrongful convictions and gain meaningful exposure to litigating within the criminal legal system.

Application Details:

· Interested students should submit:

1. A PDF résumé (including law school GPA)

2. A PDF cover letter addressing their interest in wrongful convictions, innocence work, or the criminal legal system ·

· Students should indicate in the subject line which office they are applying for.

· Because of the nature of our work, we ask that applicants commit to the full summer without splitting their time with another internship or clerkship.

Applications are due by January 31 and should be sent to hayden@tninnocence.org. Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis.