Staff Attorney - Neighborhood Advocacy

Description:

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) seeks a full-time, motivated, and mission-aligned real estate attorney with both state court litigation and transactional experience to join our nationally recognized Neighborhood Advocacy program.

As part of a collaborative team based in our Old North St. Louis office, the Staff Attorney will play a central role in helping stabilize communities by fighting property vacancy and supporting equitable neighborhood development. This is a position for someone who thrives on meaningful work, can handle a complex caseload efficiently, and enjoys building relationships with local residents, neighborhood leaders, and community-based organizations.

Responsibilities:
Legal Services to Communities and Residents:

• Serve as legal counsel to 3–5 neighborhood-based organizations, focusing on civil litigation and real estate matters impacting community development.
• Represent clients in lawsuits involving nuisance properties and absentee landlords.
• Provide legal assistance to low-income homeowners, including:
• Basic estate planning
• Title clearance (heirs' property issues)
• Property tax appeals and tax foreclosure defense
• Advise on matters related to nonprofit governance, land acquisition, and real estate transactions to support neighborhood revitalization.

Pro Bono Partnership:
Coordinate and support pro bono attorneys: co-counsel cases, provide training, and offer substantive legal guidance to volunteers.
Community Engagement:

• Conduct legal education workshops and community outreach.
• Collaborate with local nonprofits, community leaders, and institutions to identify legal needs and expand referral networks.

Grants and Reporting:
Support ongoing fundraising efforts by tracking outcomes, contributing to grant reports, and working with development staff on future applications.

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree and licensed to practice in Missouri
• Minimum 2 years of state court trial experience (civil litigation) strongly preferred
• Substantive experience in real estate law (transactional and/or litigation) preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills; personable, team-oriented, and approachable
• Experience working in diverse or underserved communities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Public speaking experience and/or comfort engaging large groups
• Highly organized, self-directed, and efficient
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest or community-based work is a strong plus
  

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