3Ls: OCI for Postgrad Jobs with Missouri State Public Defender, Apply by Sept. 15
The Missouri State Public Defender System has hired several Memphis Law Graduates over the past few years. The office will have representatives (including an alum) here for the Public Interest Fair on October 1st (11:30am to 1:00pm in the Student Lounge). That afternoon, they will be holding on campus interviews for post-graduate jobs (the Trial Attorney AND Missouri Justice Fellowship jobs described below) for those who apply by September 15 via Symplicity OCI.
TRIAL LAWYER, Missouri Public Defender System (Numerous positions available throughout the state)
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 licensed to practice law in Missouri or be sitting for UBE Bar Exam in July 2025.
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. Priority placement available for qualified candidates interested in a rural office placement.
Salary/Benefits: Law clerk awaiting bar results – $3,354/month; $40,248/yr
Missouri licensed attorney starting salary – $5,000/month; $60,000/yr
Eligible for full state benefits including 3 weeks vacation leave accrual per year; 3 weeks sick leave accrual per year; 13 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 2025
LOCATIONS:
CENTRAL REGION: Columbia, Fulton, Jefferson City, Moberly, Sedalia
EASTERN REGION: Farmington, Hillsboro, Rolla, St. Charles, St. Louis City,
St. Louis County (Clayton), Troy, Union
NORTHERN REGION: Chillicothe, Hannibal, Kirksville, Maryville
SOUTHEASTERN REGION: Cape Girardeau, Portageville, Kennett, Poplar Bluff, West Plains
SOUTHWESTERN REGION: Ava, Bolivar, Carthage (Joplin), Lebanon, Monett, Springfield
WESTERN REGION: Harrisonville, Kansas City, Liberty, Nevada, St. Joseph
Questions: Contact Human Resources if you have questions about employment opportunities. [human.resources@mspd.mo.gov; (573)777-9977]
Apply via Symplicity OCI, “FALL 2024 OCI: Missouri State Public Defender System” and ALSO complete an application on the Missouri State Public Defender Website
– The Missouri State Public Defender System is an Equal Opportunity Employer –
MISSOURI JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP, Missouri State Public Defender System
Description: Two year criminal defense fellowship with Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD). 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 Missouri Bar Exam in July 2025.
Location: Placement in underserved communities as determined by MSPD. Fellows of the 2025 class may be placed in following locations: Chillicothe, Farmington, Jackson, Kennett, Kirksville, Hannibal, Lebanon, Moberly, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Union, West Plains
Salary/Benefits: Law clerk awaiting bar results – $3,354/month; $40,248/yr
Missouri licensed attorney starting salary – $5,000/month; $60,000/yr
Eligible for full state benefits including 3 weeks vacation leave accrual per year; 3 weeks sick leave accrual per year; 13 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.
Fellowship Term: August 2025 through July 2027
Questions: Contact Human Resources if you have questions about employment opportunities. [human.resources@mspd.mo.gov; (573)777-9977]
Apply via Symplicity OCI, “FALL 2024 OCI: Missouri State Public Defender System” and ALSO complete an application on the Missouri State Public Defender Job Website
– The Missouri State Public Defender System is an Equal Opportunity Employer
