Early Hire Attorney

About the role

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Early Hire Attorneys. This role offers opportunities to work in diverse settings across the state, with a focus on rural placements.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Keep clients informed about the progress of investigations, negotiations, and court rulings.
• Ensure open and transparent communication with clients regarding their legal matters.
• 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.
• Prepare legal documents, including motions, pleadings, and briefs for hearings, trials, and legal proceedings.
• Prepare cases, clients, and witnesses for trial, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach.
• Promote and protect the best interests of clients at all times, incorporating a holistic approach to legal representation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and support staff to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Foster a team-oriented approach to enhance the overall effectiveness of legal representation.
• Attend CLE sessions as required to stay updated on legal developments and enhance professional skills.
• Conduct legal research to stay abreast of statutes, regulations, and pertinent court decisions.
• Prepare cases for trial preparation, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach.
• Participate in continuing legal education (CLE) sessions as required.
• Sit for the upcoming Missouri Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
• Pass the UBE to be eligible for promotion to Assistant Public Defender I.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must:

• Satisfy the eligibility requirements for admission to the Missouri Bar.
• Be willing to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
• Show a passion for criminal defense and a commitment to justice for indigent clients.
• Have strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Be open to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Pass the Missouri Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
• Pass the Missouri Bar Exam.
• Be licensed to practice law in Missouri.

Skills

Essential skills for this role include:

• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
• Commitment to justice for indigent clients.
• Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

Benefits

State of Missouri benefits include:

• A defined pension plan.
• Generous amounts of leave and holiday time.
• Eligibility for health insurance coverage.

Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/.

Pay

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.

Schedule

This is a full-time position.