Changing teams: Public defenders drawn to prosecution
“I’m not poaching, but we advertise to the world that we have vacancies,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy (middle) said. “It’s pretty obvious that I think that public defenders have the requisite experience.” (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
Experts say it’s common for attorneys to start in the public defender’s office and venture into other, potentially higher-paying jobs, like the district attorney’s office. It is also common for public defenders to make the move when a progressive district attorney, such as Steve Mulroy, is elected.
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Shelby County District Attorney’s Office District Attorney General Steve Mulroy Shelby County Criminal Court Division VII Judge Lee Coffee Malia Brink Chris Santirojprapai Subscriber OnlyWe’re in the final countdown of 2025. ⌛🪩🎉
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Julia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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