Jobs & Internships

The Tennessee Innocence Project

See below for job postings and clerkship opportunities!

Job Posting: Social Worker & Client Support Program Coordinator

Job Title: Social Worker & Client Support Program Coordinator (Location: Nashville, TN)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Hours: Full Time, salaried

About the Role

The Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) seeks a passionate Social Worker to serve as our Client Support Program Coordinator. This role combines social work expertise with program coordination to support individuals and families impacted by wrongful convictions. As our Social Worker, you'll provide crucial guidance and resources to both incarcerated and post-conviction clients while working alongside our dedicated legal team.

Essential Functions

Client and Family Support Services

  • Utilize your social work background to develop and implement support systems for clients and their families throughout the legal process

  • Provide trauma-informed care and emotional support while helping families navigate the challenges of incarceration

  • Create and maintain case management plans that address both immediate and long-term needs

Reentry Program Management

  • Lead the design and implementation of reentry programs focusing on practical needs: housing, employment, healthcare, and community reintegration

  • Facilitate support groups and workshops for clients and families

  • Connect clients with community resources and maintain strong partnerships with service providers

Program Development and Collaboration

  • Work closely with TIP's legal team to ensure comprehensive client support

  • Track program outcomes and propose improvements based on client needs

  • Maintain detailed case records while ensuring client confidentiality

Who You Are

  • A trained social worker with a passion for justice and client advocacy

  • Someone who approaches work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and understanding

  • An organized professional who can manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail

  • A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues

Qualifications Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW)

  • 3+ years of experience in case management, reentry services, or working with justice-involved populations

  • Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and the criminal justice system

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)

  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Experience with program development and workshop facilitation

  • Familiarity with case management software

About Us

Launched in February 2019 as Tennessee's first full-time innocence organization, the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm dedicated to freeing the wrongfully convicted across the state of Tennessee. With offices in Nashville and Memphis, TIP is committed to addressing the systemic injustices that lead to wrongful convictions while empowering our clients to reclaim their lives.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $50,000-$55,000 per year.

  • Benefits: Two weeks paid time off per year, health insurance, short-term/long-term disability insurance, and 401K.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to hayden@tninnocence.org with the subject line: Social Worker-Client Support Program Coordinator.

TIP values diverse perspectives and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Job Posting: Litigation Fellow

Job Title: Litigation Fellow (Location: Memphis, TN)
Reports to: Legal Director
Hours: Full Time, salaried

About the Role

The Litigation Fellow at the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) is a detail-oriented and motivated individual with a strong interest in the legal profession and a passion for advancing justice. This role is critical to TIP’s efforts to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals by managing records collection, supporting investigative efforts, and contributing to paralegal tasks under attorney supervision.

Working closely with the Legal Director and TIP attorneys, the Litigation Fellow will ensure that each application is thoroughly reviewed and documented, while also assisting with case development and legal support. This position offers foundational experience in criminal law and an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work freeing the innocent across Tennessee.

The Litigation Fellow is a two-year position, ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals considering attending law school in the future.

Essential Functions include:

Litigation Support

  • Organize and maintain case files, ensuring all documents are accurately filed and easily accessible.

  • Support attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, coordinating witness schedules, and managing trial documents.

  • Prepare and file legal documents with courts, ensuring compliance with court procedures and deadlines.

  • Assist TIP staff with investigative efforts for current TIP clients, including fact-finding, evidence review, and case analysis.

  • Assist with legal research to support case development.

Records and Case Management

  • Request and obtain records from a wide variety of government agencies.

  • Organize records requests and track completion of records.

Intake Review

  • Review applications for representation with precision and attention to detail.

  • Collect and organize case data for accurate record-keeping and analysis.

  • Assist with action recommendations at each stage of the application process.

  • Correspond with applicants to provide updates and request additional information as needed.

Who You Are

  • Detail-Oriented: You understand the importance of accurate data and precision in documentation.

  • Organized: You thrive in managing multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining a clear and systematic workflow.

  • Collaborative: You excel in working both independently and as part of a team, contributing to collective goals.

  • Motivated: You are passionate about advancing justice and eager to learn from experienced legal professionals.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Familiarity with legal terminology, procedures, and documentation preferred.

  • Proficiency in conducting legal research preferred.

  • Legal or paralegal experience is a plus but not required.

About Us

Launched in February 2019 as Tennessee's first full-time innocence organization, the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm dedicated to freeing the wrongfully convicted across the state of Tennessee. With offices in Nashville and Memphis, TIP is committed to addressing the systemic injustices that lead to wrongful convictions while empowering our clients to reclaim their lives.

Compensation

  • Salary: $40,000 per year.

  • Benefits: Two weeks paid time off per year, health insurance, and short-term/long-term disability insurance.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to hayden@tninnocence.org with the subject line: Litigation Fellow Application.