Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Carthage, MO

Government

Carthage, MO

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Carthage, MO

Attorney

No

Job Title: Attorney - Carthage/Joplin

Job Responsibilities:
As a Public Defender Trial Attorney at the Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD), you will play a vital role in advocating for clients who cannot afford legal representation. Your primary responsibilities include:

- Client Advocacy:
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients through various forms of communication, including telephone, 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.

Education and Experience:
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

- Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, awaiting bar results, or transferring bar license from a different state.
- 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.

Salary Information:
This is a full-time salaried position with a competitive compensation range of $61,920 to $84,636 per year. The position is based in Carthage/Joplin and offers State of Missouri benefits, which include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Additional information about benefits and total compensation can be found on the organization's website.