Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Columbia, MO

Government

Columbia, MO

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Columbia, MO

Attorney

No

Attorney - Commitment Defense Unit

Job Title: Assistant Public Defender

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

The Commitment Defense Unit within the organization is a specialized division that plays a critical role in defending the civil liberties of individuals facing involuntary civil commitment under Missouri's Sexually Violent Predator Act. This unit is dedicated to ensuring fair and just legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of rigorous defense for individuals at risk of indefinite commitment. Attorneys in this unit regularly conduct jury trials, as there is no plea bargaining or settling in these civil commitment cases. This role involves challenging the legal basis of these cases and providing expert representation throughout the legal process. Attorneys in this division are highly skilled in navigating the complex intersection of criminal and civil law, advocating for clients from initial commitment proceedings to potential releases. The Commitment Defense Unit is a frontline defender of civil rights, providing a robust response to the state's efforts to commit individuals indefinitely and ensuring the protection of due process.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

As a Commitment Defense Attorney with the organization's Commitment Defense Unit, you will serve as a key advocate for clients facing involuntary civil commitment under Missouri’s Sexually Violent Predator Act. Your responsibilities will include:

Client Advocacy:
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients through in-person meetings, phone communication, and institutional visits.
- Provide thorough legal counsel and guidance to clients at every stage of their commitment case.
- Advocate for the protection of clients' civil liberties, ensuring due process rights are respected.

Case Investigation:
- Conduct in-depth investigations, including interviews with clients, witnesses, expert witnesses, and relevant family members.
- Review discovery materials, including forensic evaluations and expert reports, to identify critical defense strategies.
- Analyze the legal and factual basis of the state’s petition for commitment.

Communication and Transparency:
- Keep clients fully informed about the status of their cases, including investigation findings, negotiations, and court rulings.
- Ensure transparent communication, making sure clients understand their legal rights and options.

Court Appearances:
- Represent clients at jury trials, commitment hearings, periodic reviews, and other court proceedings under the Sexually Violent Predator Act.
- Advocate vigorously in pre-trial hearings, trials, and appeals to challenge the state's case for civil commitment.

Legal Research and Document Preparation:
- Conduct legal research to stay current on civil commitment laws, regulations, and relevant case law.
- Prepare legal documents such as motions, pleadings, and briefs for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings.

Trial Preparation:
- Prepare clients, witnesses, and expert witnesses for hearings and trials.
- Develop and execute a strategic defense for commitment trials, using expert testimony and legal arguments.

Client Interests and Holistic Approach:
- Promote and protect the best interests of clients, taking a holistic approach to legal representation.
- Ensure that clients’ civil rights and personal dignity are upheld throughout the process.

Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with colleagues, support staff, and expert witnesses to develop comprehensive defense strategies.
- Foster a team-oriented environment to enhance legal representation for clients.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE):
- Attend CLE sessions to remain updated on developments in civil commitment law and maintain professional skills.

Qualifications - All you need for success

- 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.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

This is a full-time position that can be based in one of the organization’s offices in Kansas City, Columbia, or St. Louis. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits, including a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck, and the organization provides an interactive Total Compensation Calculator to demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.