Job Details for Research and Writing Attorney
| Court Name/Organization | Tennessee Middle Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | A Research and Writing Specialist is an attorney position. That attorney will provide advanced research and writing support to Assistant Federal Public Defenders on habeas cases. Specifically, the individual will research legal issues and assist in drafting positions, motions, and pre-hearing briefs. They will assist other attorneys with discovery matters and with responses to dispositive motions. |
| Location | Nashville, TN |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 07/10/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 12 - JSP 15 |
| Salary | $89,508 - $187,399 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://tnm.fd.org/employment |
| Announcement Number | 2026-07 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
A Research and Writing Specialist is an attorney position. That attorney will provide advanced research and writing support to Assistant Federal Public Defenders on habeas cases. Specifically, the individual will research legal issues and assist in drafting positions, motions, and pre-hearing briefs. They will assist other attorneys with discovery matters and with responses to dispositive motions.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to improving diversity in the legal profession. It is critical to our clients’ representation that the office be comprised of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The nature of our work necessitates our investment in recruiting colleagues who demonstrate experience with knowledge of, and sensitivity to the needs of culturally diverse and oppressed populations. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to working with marginalized communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds.
Skilled collaboration, strategic litigation, and compassionate representation are among the values we aim to foster in our office. Because no single person can do this work alone, you will work with experienced lawyers, investigators, paralegals, and legal assistants.
Qualifications
To qualify a person must be a graduate from an accredited law school and eligible for admission to the federal bar and the bar of the State of Tennessee. A general understanding of criminal law and federal criminal procedure is necessary. The applicant should possess the ability to write clearly and present complex and interrelated concepts and ideas. The applicant should have excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, strong technical skills, the ability to prioritize, and the ability to work both independently and cooperatively. Applicants must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications. Some travel will be required.
Employee Benefits
The position is full-time with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications and comparable to that of Assistant U.S. Attorneys with similar qualifications and experience. Salary is payable only by direct deposit. Salary range is from JSP Grade 12 ($89,508) to JSP Grade 15 ($187,399) depending on experience. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. For information regarding benefits, see www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits. Final offer of employment is subject to an F.B.I. background check.
Application Info
Applications submitted by fax or mail will not be considered. To apply, combine the following documents in a single Adobe PDF and email to TNM_HR@fd.org with the subject line “R&W CHU 2026-07.”
- A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your qualifications
- A resume
- Three references including contact information
- A representative writing sample
Preference given to applications received by Aug. 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received. We reserve the right to end the posting early. No phone calls, please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.