The Missouri State Public Defender System is collecting application materials for two different types of post-graduate public defense opportunities. Both have deadlines of February 17, 2022:
1) Trial Attorney for the Missouri State Public Defender System, Apply via Symplicity OCI, “SPRING 2022 OCI: Missouri PD Trial Attorney Resume Collect.”
Basic Function: Provide legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses facing the possibility of incarceration.
Job Duties: Duties to include litigating all aspects of the case through disposition at the trial court level including pretrial and trial preparation; appearing at regularly scheduled court dockets and all appearances concerning assigned caseload; promoting and protecting the best interest of the client at all times; maintaining client contact by telephone, appointments, or institutional visits; keeping client apprised of investigations, negotiations, and court rulings; drafting motions and pleadings.
Qualifications: Must be sitting for Missouri Bar Exam in July 2022.
Geographic Location: Limited number of positions located in trial offices throughout Missouri. MSPD has 33 trial offices located throughout the state, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and various other cities.
Salary/Benefits: Law clerk awaiting bar results – $2,773/month
Missouri licensed attorney starting salary – $4,034/month
Eligible for full state benefits including 3 weeks vacation leave accrual per year; 3 weeks sick leave accrual per year; 12 paid holidays per year; Employer paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage; Low cost health insurance plan; Defined benefit retirement plan; Extensive in-house training and CLE opportunities.
Anticipated Start Date: August 2022
2) MISSOURI JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP, Apply via Symplicity OCI, “SPRING 2022 OCI: Missouri Justice Fellowship Resume Collect.”
Description: Two year criminal defense fellowship with Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD). Mo-Justice Fellows will gain hands-on trial experience as they manage their own caseload and defend their clients through each step of the criminal case. By bringing quality legal representation to underserved communities in Missouri, fellows will demand justice for the indigent accused. Fellows receive two weeks of hands-on, intensive trial training with ongoing training and CLE opportunities throughout fellowship.
Duties: Litigating all aspects of the case from arraignment through disposition, whether that be plea or trial; zealously advocating for their clients at all times, working to protect the best interests of the client and striving for optimal outcomes; maintaining communication with clients through telephone, in person, or institutional visits; communicating each step of the case to clients; negotiating with prosecutors; keeping client apprised of investigations, negotiations, and court rulings; drafting motions and pleadings; participating in fellowship activities such as trainings, workshops, and networking events.
Qualifications: Must be licensed to practice law in Missouri OR be sitting for UBE Bar Exam in July 2022.
Location: Placement in underserved communities as determined by MSPD. Fellows must remain open to placement statewide. Fellows of the 2022 class may be placed in following locations: Chillicothe, Farmington, Jackson, Kennett, Kirksville, Hannibal, Lebanon, Moberly, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sedalia, St. Joseph, Union, West Plains
Salary/Benefits: Annual Salary: $49,380/year
Eligible for full state benefits including 3 weeks vacation leave accrual per year; 3 weeks sick leave accrual per year; 12 paid holidays per year; Employer paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage; Low cost health insurance plan; Defined benefit retirement plan.
Fellowship Term: August 2022 through July 2024
Questions: Contact Gina Hall in Human Resources if you have questions about employment opportunities. [gina.hall@mspd.mo.gov; (573)777-9977]
– The Missouri State Public Defender System is an Equal Opportunity Employer
