SAFETY LEGAL INTERN - 66070

Executive Service

SAFETY LEGAL INTERN

Department of Safety & Homeland Security

Legal - Asset Forfeiture Division

Nashville, TN

Salary: Unpaid

Closing Date: 3/30/2025

This internship will be hosted during the Spring and Summer semesters of 2025. Applicants are encouraged to attach their resumes.

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The Legal Asset Forfeiture Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety welcomes you to join our group of skilled attorneys and staff who serve the community by enforcing the Tennessee Drug Control Act and statutes authorizing the seizure of vehicles being driven by individuals whose driver's license is revoked for a Driving Under the Influence Conviction.

Job Overview:

The program offers an opportunity to work closely with Staff Attorneys in all phases of the forfeiture proceedings -appearing in court, drafting motions, conducting legal research and assisting with major case preparations. Interns will receive training in the Tennessee Forfeiture laws and participating in all aspects of case preparation in a supportive environment with a true mentor system. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Legal Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reviewing Notice of Seizure Documents submitted by Law Enforcement Agencies for compliance with Statutory guidelines
• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Drafting legal documents
• Assisting with discovery and hearing preparation
• Observe virtual hearings in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville
• Assisting the Senior Associate Counsel in developing forfeiture workflow charts, organizing monthly reports and efforts to streamline processes statewide for case processing
• Performing administrative tasks such as scheduling and updating case management database
• Observing communications with opposing counsel, law enforcement and other individuals involved in the process

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice or related field or pursuing a juris doctorate degree.
• Strong interest in public safety.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.