The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) is an agency dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney in criminal cases. We are committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel and ensuring fair and just legal proceedings for all.
As a Defense Strike Force Attorney at MSPD, you will be a crucial advocate for clients facing serious felony charges at the trial court level, ensuring they receive high-quality, zealous legal representation. This role involves handling complex forensic issues and representing clients throughout all phases of criminal matters in the state of Missouri. You will be integrated into the St. Louis Capital Defense Team and may work on cases in any of Missouri’s 114 counties or the City of St. Louis where assistance is requested and accepted.
Job Duties Include: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.
- Collaborate with MSPD Training Team to provide training to others.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri or transferring bar license from a different state.
- Passion for criminal defense and commitment to justice for indigent clients.
- Experience litigating complex forensic and mental health issues
- Strong communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a diverse caseload with efficiency and attention to detail.
- 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.
- Ability to travel as necessary throughout the state of Missouri or assigned region(s)
This is a full-time position with flexible location options, based in any of our Defender plex buildings located in St. Louis, Columbia, or Kansas City supervised by the Eastern Capital District Defender. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation, including additional pay equivalent the Commitment Defense Unit (CDU) attorney differential, along with State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage.
Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ . 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 https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .
Join us in our mission to provide exceptional legal defense for those who need it most, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of many across the state.
