Closing Date: 1st October, 2026

Description:

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position
A position in the Missouri Department of Corrections is more than a job. It's a calling. Corrections employees transform lives, equipping Missourians in the criminal justice system with the skills they need to contribute to their communities, inside and outside our walls. More than 95 percent of people who enter the prison system ultimately are released. We want to make sure they're good neighbors.

We offer great benefits!
Missouri State Employee Retirement System / Deferred compensation plan / Health insurance (medical, vision, dental for employees and family) / Paid life insurance / Long-term disability insurance / Cafeteria plan / Paid holidays / 10 hours annual leave per month / 10 hours sick leave per month / Uniforms provided when required / Pre-service and in-service training / Access to credit union / Direct deposit of paycheck (required) / Employee health, wellness and safety initiatives / MOST 529 College Savings Program. The Missouri Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workspace.

Responsibilities - What you'll do
The Missouri Department of Corrections is seeking to fill the General Counsel position in Jefferson City, Missouri. This position oversees the legal matters of the department including, advising the department's executive members on the legal obligations that would impact the department's operations r; crafting and preparing the department's legal strategies in response to litigation; review contracts and interagency agreements; draft and review legislative proposals and fiscal notes. This position also supervises the department's legal team, procedures and forms management unit, civil rights training unit, and serves as the department's sunshine law coordinator.

This position will close September 30, 2026

Qualifications - All you need for success
Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be a member in good standing of the Missouri Bar with excellent communication skills who possess initiative, independence and the ability to apply knowledge in a professional and timely manner. Litigation experience is preferred.
Management and supervisory experience is required.

Application Process:
An application package for this position should include a completed application, cover letter, and resume. The writing sample should be the applicant's exclusive work product. If the writing sample was edited by another, or if there were other contributors, applicants are expected to identify those portions of the writing sample not exclusively their own work product and the extent of input provided by others. Applicants may also submit letters of reference.

In addition to this online application all application packets for this Legal Counsel position in the MDOC Office of the General Counsel should be mailed to:
Missouri Department of Corrections / PO Box 236 / Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

All requested documents MUST be received by the closing date listed.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position
The Department of Corrections currently offers a guaranteed 1% pay increase for every two years of service up to 20 years. If you are transferring from another State of Missouri agency and are receiving state retention pay, please be advised that the Missouri Department of Corrections administers retention based upon your retention anniversary date. As a result, your retention pay upon transfer may differ from what you were receiving at your previous agency until you reach your applicable retention anniversary date.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
Donna.Higgins@doc.mo.gov