Family Law - General Attorney in Kansas City, MO

Government

Kansas City, MO

Family Law - General Attorney in Kansas City, MO

Attorney

No

Job Title: Attorney

Job Responsibilities:
- Provide timely and effective legal representation to the chief juvenile officer.
- Maintain an active caseload, reviewing referrals for filing and litigating cases consistent with statutory authority, applicable caselaw, rules of procedure and evidence, and best practices in child welfare.
- Ensure preparation for trials and hearings through legal research, conferring with appropriate parties, and drafting legal briefs, pleadings, and memoranda.
- Recommend, seek, and achieve appropriate dispositions to meet juveniles’ needs and best interests.
- Ensure the proper completion and retention of office records.
- Rotate on-call attorney responsibilities with other attorneys within the office to ensure availability for agency partners, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Attend meetings to represent the juvenile office as assigned by the chief juvenile officer.
- Maintain and increase knowledge and skill of juvenile law, trial, and appellate work by reviewing trends, legislation, statutes, and case law at both state and federal levels and attending educational conferences and trainings.
- Receive calls during off-duty hours and respond to problems as required, which may involve returning to the work site.
- Perform other duties as required.

Education and Experience Information:
- Graduation from an accredited law school.
- Current license to practice law in the State of Missouri and membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar Association.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of general law, state laws, established precedent, and sources of legal references.
- Knowledge of the rules of evidence, and practice and procedure in state trial and appellate courts.
- Ability to analyze and apply legal principles and specialized knowledge related to individual cases and issues effectively in written and oral presentations.
- Ability to implement best practices regarding principles, methods, and techniques applicable to the safety, care, treatment, and discipline of children.
- Ability to work and relate positively toward individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the juvenile office and with other juvenile offices, agency partners, community stakeholders, and court administration.
- Ability to make and implement complex decisions in accordance with statutes, caselaw, regulations, rules of procedure, policies, operational procedures, and directives of the chief juvenile officer and designee(s).
- Ability to effectively speak publicly and communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written format.
- Knowledge and strict observance of ethics and professional responsibility incumbent upon lawyers, including the maintenance of confidential information.
- Ability to operate standard office machines, including a personal computer, computer software, and case management software.

Salary Information:
- Salary pay rate: $63, - $94, annually

The position is county funded and classified as exempt, with the chief juvenile officer serving as the appointing authority. General supervision is provided by the chief juvenile officer and chief deputy juvenile officer, with direct supervision from an attorney who is the Trial Team Leader. The role requires no supervision of others. The attorney is expected to foster effective communication within the office, with other juvenile offices, court administration, agency partners, community stakeholders, and community members. The organization is an equal opportunity employer.