Closing Date: 4th December, 2026

Description:

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) has an opening for a Managing Attorney within the Central Region Litigation Unit located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Hybrid work options are available following a required in-office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.

Job Posting Number: 4103 88P9010

Annual salary: The annual salary for this postion is $95,350.52. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).

Job Location: This position is located at 221 West High St. Jefferson City, MO. 65102. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility and hybrid work options to support your professional goals and workload.

Why you'll love this position: Are you passionate about public service? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Missouri children and families by providing comprehensive legal counsel and support to the Department of Social Services (DSS) with special focus on permanency including reunification with a parent, guardianship, termination of parental rights/adoption, and other planned permanent living arrangements? At DLS, you'll enjoy collaborating as part of a diverse team of attorneys located in offices all around the state.

You will become part of a statewide team of attorneys who value collaboration, purpose, and professional growth. This role places you at the center of juvenile and civil litigation practice in your region, with daily opportunities to advocate in court, shape outcomes for families, and help overcome legal barriers to permanency for children. If you're seeking a position where your legal skills make a direct and lasting impact, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities - What you'll do
As Managing Attorney, you will manage full-time staff attorneys and contract attorneys within the region who provide legal support and advice to DSS and its divisions including Children's Division, Family Support Division, and the Division of Youth Services. You and your staff will be responsible for maintaining, prosecuting, and defending a diverse case load including juvenile court, circuit court, and administrative hearing cases. You will work with other DSS team members including investigators, case workers, and court partners to provide resolutions to difficult issues.

You must be well-organized, able to perform case analyses, spot issues, and be proficient with time management.

This role offers the unique combination of litigation, collaboration, and public service, and is ideal for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom experience with a strong mission-driven focus.

Benefits:
DLS provides a supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement and pension benefits through MOSERS.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and state holidays.
Hybrid work options are available following a required in‑office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.
Training and continuing legal education opportunities.
Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.

Qualifications - All you need for success
Minimum Qualifications:
A juris doctor from an accredited institution and membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar. Three or more years' litigation experience, including bench or jury trials. Excellent research and writing skills are required. Effective critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills are required. Mastery of technical foundational legal knowledge and skills, such as the Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, are required. A background in juvenile, family, and administrative law are preferred but not required.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes 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. 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 here.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
If you have questions about this position, please contact Dan Reichman at Dan.Reichman@dss.mo.gov. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.

Recruitment Area: All Candidates

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026