Closing Date: 12th March, 2026

Description:

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position
The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri who cannot afford an attorney. MSPD is committed to zealous advocacy, holistic defense, and the pursuit of justice, particularly in the most complex and high-stakes cases.

This position offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful, intellectually rigorous work as part of a specialized team handling death penalty post-conviction litigation. We are seeking an experienced attorney who is motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to client-centered representation. This role can be based in either Columbia or Kansas City and involves extensive investigation, legal writing, and courtroom advocacy throughout the state.

Responsibilities - What you'll do

Work as part of a two-attorney team handling death penalty post-conviction cases under Missouri Supreme Court Rules 24.035, 29.15, and 29.16.
Investigate and prepare amended post-conviction motions and litigate evidentiary hearings in circuit courts statewide.
Conduct intensive factual investigations, including extensive in-state and out-of-state travel and regular client visits at Potosi Correctional Center.
Identify, retain, and work closely with expert witnesses, including mental health and other specialized experts.
Obtain, analyze, and organize educational, medical, mental health, criminal, juvenile, and other records related to clients and their family members.
Interview lay and expert witnesses, including obtaining sensitive and personal information relevant to mitigation and post-conviction claims.
Prepare appellate briefs following the denial of post-conviction relief, including filings in the Missouri Supreme Court and potential certiorari petitions.
Draft proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for circuit court proceedings.
Assist clients with preparation of federal habeas corpus petitions, without serving as counsel of record.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of post-conviction and appellate litigation.

Qualifications - All you need for success

Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, or eligible for admission.
Minimum of three years of substantial criminal litigation experience. (Assistant Public Defender III+ or equivalent experience is preferred.)
Experience in post-conviction litigation, felony appellate work, and/or felony jury trials.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with expert witnesses, including mental health professionals.
Experience developing and presenting mitigation evidence is preferred.
Strong investigative, analytical, legal writing, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage complex cases involving extensive records and sensitive information.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively as required by case needs.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

This position will receive a $1000 monthly death penalty differential in addition to base salary.

This is a full-time position that can be based in Columbia or Kansas City. 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/ 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 https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .

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