Legal Assistant - St. Louis Appellate/Post Conviction Relief

About the role

The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division represents clients in criminal appeals and post-conviction proceedings, ensuring that convictions and sentences are reviewed for legal error and that constitutional rights are protected. We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Legal Assistant to support attorneys handling appellate and post-conviction relief cases.

Responsibilities

• Organize, review, and maintain appellate and post-conviction case files, transcripts, exhibits, and court records.
• Prepare, proofread, and format legal correspondence, motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Monitor filing deadlines and maintain attorney calendars to ensure timely submission of court filings.
• File legal documents with appellate and circuit courts using electronic filing systems.
• Communicate with clients, courts, correctional institutions, prosecutors, and other agencies regarding case status and records requests.
• Request, track, and organize transcripts, trial records, exhibits, and other documents necessary for appellate review.
• Aid attorneys with legal research, cite checking, and document preparation as directed.
• Maintain confidential client information and ensure accurate records management.
• Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and provide general administrative support to the office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of office, administrative, or related clerical experience.
• Legal office experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other office technology.
• Able to proofread documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, appellate procedures, or court filing systems is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• None specified.

Skills

• Detail-oriented.
• Organized.
• Effective communicator.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and appellate procedures (optional).

Benefits

This is a full-time position based in St. Louis. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and 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 here.

Pay

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation. For more details on compensation, see here.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is full-time.