Attorney - Strike Force / Capital

Job Description:

Attorney - Strike Force / Capital

Description

The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) seeks an experienced defense attorney to join our team as a Strike Force / Capital Attorney. This unique hybrid role provides the opportunity to advocate for indigent clients facing serious felony charges across Missouri while also contributing to the defense of clients in capital cases where the State is seeking the death penalty.

As part of MSPD’s Strike Force, you will handle high-level, complex felony trials, including cases with serious forensic and mental health issues, often stepping in where local trial offices need additional resources. You will also collaborate with the St. Louis Capital Defense Team on death penalty litigation, with a focus on pretrial preparation, sentencing advocacy, and supporting senior trial counsel. This position offers challenging, meaningful work, frequent courtroom litigation, and the chance to protect constitutional rights for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our justice system.

Client Advocacy:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and, where appropriate, their families or support systems.
• Provide comprehensive legal counsel and guidance throughout all phases of criminal and post-charge proceedings.

Trial and Casework:

• Represent clients in serious felony cases across Missouri, assisting trial offices where needed.
• Handle all phases of trial preparation and litigation, including arraignments, motions, evidentiary hearings, plea negotiations, and jury or bench trials.
• In capital cases, focus on pretrial motions, sentencing advocacy, mitigation, and negotiation with the goal of achieving the best possible resolution for the client.

Investigation and Preparation:

• Conduct thorough investigations, including interviewing clients, witnesses, expert witnesses, and family members.
• Review discovery, forensic evidence, and law enforcement reports to develop defense strategies.
• Work closely with mitigation specialists and investigators, particularly in capital cases.

Legal Research and Writing:

• Conduct legal research on statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Draft persuasive motions, pleadings, and briefs for hearings and trials.

Collaboration:

• Work as part of a team with other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and support staff.
• In capital cases, take direction from lead trial counsel while contributing to case development.
• Collaborate with the MSPD Training Team by sharing expertise and supporting the professional growth of others.

Professional Development:

• Attend required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions to remain current on legal developments.
• Engage in ongoing learning in the areas of forensic evidence, capital defense, and trial advocacy.

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri or transferring bar license from another state.
• Minimum of five years’ criminal defense experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle serious felony cases and complex litigation.
• Strong oral advocacy, writing, and courtroom skills.
• Experience litigating forensic and/or mental health issues is preferred.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to indigent defense and passion for protecting constitutional rights.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across Missouri as case assignments require.

This is a full-time position based in our Defender plex building located in St. Louis and 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.

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov

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Salary:

67,080-90,192 per Year