State of Missouri
Missouri Justice Fellow (Rural Attorney)
6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Missouri Justice Fellowship
is a two‑year fellowship program designed to bring quality legal representation to underserved, rural areas of Missouri. Candidates may apply during their third year of law school. Fellows will gain hands‑on trial experience as they manage their own caseload and defend clients through each step of the criminal case. Fellows receive two weeks of intensive trial training and ongoing training and CLE opportunities throughout the fellowship.
At this time, fellow candidates may be considered for placement in one of the following trial offices: Chillicothe, Farmington, Jackson, Kennett, Kirksville, Hannibal, Lebanon, Moberly, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Union, West Plains.
After submission of an application through MoCareers candidates will be contacted by Human Resources about the next steps in the process. Fellowship applications will remain active with MSPD until 120 days past the release of bar exam results. Candidates may update their interest at any time by emailing
human.resources@mspd.mo.gov .
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.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, awaiting Missouri UBE results, or sitting for Missouri UBE.
Passion for criminal defense and commitment to justice for indigent clients.
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.
This is a full‑time position. 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
https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ .
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
More information about the Missouri Justice Fellowship program can be found on the MSPD website
https://publicdefender.mo.gov/missouri-justice-fellowship/ . Further inquiries can be directed to Hannah Vaughn, Recruitment Coordinator at:
hannah.vaughn@mspd.mo.gov .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Missouri Justice Fellowship
is a two‑year fellowship program designed to bring quality legal representation to underserved, rural areas of Missouri. Candidates may apply during their third year of law school. Fellows will gain hands‑on trial experience as they manage their own caseload and defend clients through each step of the criminal case. Fellows receive two weeks of intensive trial training and ongoing training and CLE opportunities throughout the fellowship.
At this time, fellow candidates may be considered for placement in one of the following trial offices: Chillicothe, Farmington, Jackson, Kennett, Kirksville, Hannibal, Lebanon, Moberly, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Union, West Plains.
After submission of an application through MoCareers candidates will be contacted by Human Resources about the next steps in the process. Fellowship applications will remain active with MSPD until 120 days past the release of bar exam results. Candidates may update their interest at any time by emailing
human.resources@mspd.mo.gov .
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.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, awaiting Missouri UBE results, or sitting for Missouri UBE.
Passion for criminal defense and commitment to justice for indigent clients.
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.
This is a full‑time position. 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
https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ .
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
More information about the Missouri Justice Fellowship program can be found on the MSPD website
https://publicdefender.mo.gov/missouri-justice-fellowship/ . Further inquiries can be directed to Hannah Vaughn, Recruitment Coordinator at:
hannah.vaughn@mspd.mo.gov .
#J-18808-Ljbffr