Early Hire Attorney

Early Hire Attorney The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri who cannot afford an attorney.

MSPD operates statewide through district offices that are strategically located throughout the state, offering opportunities to work in diverse settings, from urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis to more rural environments. With a team of about 700 professionals, including over 400 attorneys, MSPD handles diverse caseloads.

Training is a top priority and MSPD ensures continuous professional development with distinguished, nationally recognized trial skills courses that equip public defenders for their commitment to justice.

Additionally, all entry level attorneys with MSPD are matched with a mentor as part of MSPD's Structured Mentorship program.MSPD is currently seeking motivated individuals who are ready to kickstart their career in public defense as an Early Hire Attorney. There are opportunities statewide, with priority placements in rural areas.

Candidates interested in a rural placement should consider applying to the Missouri Justice Fellow position.

Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients through telephone communication, meetings, and institutional visits.
• Provide comprehensive legal counsel and guidance to clients at every stage of their case.
• Case Investigation Conduct thorough investigations, including interviews with clients, witnesses, expert witnesses, and family members.
• Review law enforcement reports and examine discovery materials to build a solid defense strategy.
• Communication and Transparency Keep clients informed about the progress of investigations, negotiations, and court rulings.
• Ensure open and transparent communication with clients regarding their legal matters.
• Court Appearances Attend regularly scheduled court dockets and all appearances related to the assigned caseload.
• Effectively litigate all aspects of each client's case through disposition at the trial court level.
• Legal Research and Document Preparation Conduct legal research to stay abreast of statutes, regulations, and pertinent court decisions.
• Prepare legal documents, including motions, pleadings, and briefs for hearings, trials, and legal proceedings.
• Trial Preparation Prepare cases, clients, and witnesses for trial, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach.
• Client Interests and Holistic Approach Promote and protect the best interests of clients at all times, incorporating a holistic approach to legal representation.
• Collaboration Collaborate with colleagues and support staff to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Foster a team-oriented approach to enhance the overall effectiveness of legal representation.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Attend CLE sessions as required to stay updated on legal developments and enhance professional skills.

Qualifications

• Sitting for upcoming Missouri Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
• Passion for criminal defense and commitment to justice for indigent clients.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Willingness to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
• Collaborative spirit to work effectively with support staff and legal team members.
• Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full‑time position. The successful candidate will begin as a Law Clerk while awaiting Bar results with a salary of $4,334/month. Upon licensure you will promote to Assistant Public Defender I with a corresponding salary of $6,250/month.

In addition to competitive compensation, State of Missouri benefits include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck.

To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found at salary listed reflects the base pay rate.

Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Inquiries can be directed to Hannah Vaughn, Recruitment Coordinator at: hannah.vaughn@mspd.mo.gov.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Skills

• Attorney, Calculators, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Customer Relations, Law Enforcement, Legal, Legal Documents, Legal Reports, Legal Research, Litigation, Mentoring, Negotiation Skills, Regulations, Research Skills, Team Player, Training Program

About the Company

State-of-Missour