Pro Tem Prosecutor - Upper East TN

Come join our dynamic and experienced team of conflict prosecutors.  The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference is seeking a Staff Attorney to fill a vacancy for an Assistant District Attorney General Pro Tempore in upper east Tennessee.  The position will be based in the Tri-Cities area with substantial travel.  This prosecutor covers the upper east end of the state with some work in other parts of the Eastern Grand Division.

The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference is seeking a licensed Tennessee attorney with substantial experience as a prosecutor in criminal/ circuit court to fill a Staff Attorney (Assistant District Attorney) position working primarily in East Tennessee.  Extensive first-chair jury trial experience is advantageous and preferred.

In any county where the elected District Attorney General has a conflict of interest that results in a voluntary recusal or court disqualification that requires another Prosecutor to act in their place, the Conference assists in finding and appointing a District Attorney General Pro Tempore to act in their place. Another District Attorney General from across the state may accept or it may be handled by an attorney on staff with the Conference.

The Conference Pro Tem prosecutors’ duties vary from case to case with a primary focus on prosecution of conflict cases.

This Position is directly supervised by the Legal Services Director, and reports to the Deputy Executive Director of Legal Services & Policy.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Using sound discretion in distinguishing between cases with no merit and those which should be vigorously and impartially prosecuted, exercising complete responsibility for the prosecution of all assigned cases to ensure the State is represented in any necessary court appearance.
2. Provides all interested parties with notification and updates on continuation, settlement, delay or termination of hearings or trials. Maintains rapport with victims and witnesses; promotes exchange of Victim-Witness information with law enforcement and others, advises and assists Victim-Witness Coordinator in maintaining up to date records.
3. Promotes and maintains good working relationships with all law enforcement agencies and the public.
4. Makes recommendations to the Court on amounts to be paid by a surety upon a bond in the event of forfeiture.
5. Ensures preparation of indictments for each case bound over to the Grand Jury and supports the efficient operation of the Grand Jury while avoiding influence of any kind.
6. Handles Criminal Court plea offers, cross-warrant situations, and takes appropriate action in other related matters.
7. Maintains and enters appropriate case files and other records in a unified case management system pertaining to cases, criminal histories, juries, courts, hearings and other related matters.
8. Provides legal, ethical, and strategic advice and guidance to District Attorneys General and their staff upon request, and contributes legal research to a weekly case law update for Conference attorneys.
9. May supervise other staff and undertake other duties as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director and/or the Legal Services Director.

Accepting applications through September 3, 2025. Salary for this position is based on the statutory scale for Assistant District Attorneys.  If you are a current Assistant District Attorney please include a letter of recommendation from your District Attorney indicating that you have spoken with them regarding your application.