Attorney

Closing Date: 15th November, 2025

Description:

Job Summary:
Performs a variety of tasks to assist with status and delinquency actions, child abuse and neglect petitions, termination of parental rights actions, and appellate work. This position is a zealous advocate in child protection cases, which provides research, technical support, representation, and interpretation of law. The position is a full-time position, and no outside practice of law is allowed. The salary is commensurate with relevant work experience and skills.

The duties and responsibilities in this Job Description are not a comprehensive list and Buchanan County reserves the right to assign, reassign or eliminate the duties and responsibilities of this job either orally or in writing. The scope of the job may be changed at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other reasons deemed appropriate by the County. This Job Description does not constitute an Employment Agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change, according to the business needs of Buchanan County.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment

Passing of a background check prior to appointment

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the professional legal level work in the enforcement and administration of the Missouri juvenile justice system
• Represents the Juvenile Office
• No outside practice of law is allowed
• Reads and digests opinions, prepares briefs, motions and documents, and extracts excerpts pertinent to points of law and fact
• Responsible for maintaining a diverse case load, which includes Juvenile Court, Circuit Court, and Administrative Hearing cases.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
• Appears for all juvenile court hearings
• Must analyze pending legislation for changes in court procedures

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• May be required to supervise subordinates if required by the circumstance
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education/Experience:

• Juris Doctorate degree required. Must have a valid Missouri Bar license and be a member in good standing of The Missouri Bar.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to work with a high degree of independence
• Must be able to protect highly confidential information
• Must have a positive attitude
• Must be motivated and eager to be part of a team that is dedicated to the best interests of children
• Must have considerable knowledge of general law, state laws, established precedent and sources of legal references.
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerning assigned cases and to prepare written opinions
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Must possess excellent customer service, written and oral communication skills, and be dedicated to professionalism
• Must be able to work outside normal work hours in the event of an emergent situation
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:
The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary. Must possess vision to read printed materials and computer screen and to correspond via email. Must possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive ability to understand and convey complex information is a must.
County employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner. Employees should respect their colleagues, and extend courtesy to those with whom they come in contact both internally and externally during the performance of their job duties.

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