Description:
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a nonprofit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services, seeks a full-time Temporary Staff Attorney for its Lasting Solutions Family Law Program. Legal Services advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need.The Temporary Staff Attorney will provide representation to low-income individuals who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence in orders of protection, divorce, custody, and paternity cases in St. Louis City. This position involves collaboration with other community grant partners and the St. Louis City Mayor's office.
Lasting Solutions is co-managed by an attorney and a social worker and has an emphasis on working together as an interdisciplinary team towards holistic advocacy. The Temporary Staff Attorney will work closely with an LSEM Social Worker. This position starts mid-December and runs through the end of April.
Responsibilities:
- All aspects of family law litigation, including client interviews, drafting pleadings, discovery, fact-gathering, and courtroom advocacy
- Managing a caseload of diverse domestic violence survivors
- Conducting legal research and analysis
- Possibly participating in community outreach in coordination with other community partners
- Working collaboratively with other Legal Services programs and community partners serving this population
Requirements:
- JD and admitted to practice in Missouri
- Experiences working in family law and with survivors of domestic or sexual violence preferred, but not required
- Ability to build relationships with clients and community programs across lines of difference, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, and citizenship status
- Strong litigation, advocacy, communication, and work ethic
- Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission
What we do:
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions and has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Who We Are:
At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.
How to Apply:
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications are due by November 30th. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Salary & Benefits Information
The pay rate for this position starts at $31.73/hour. The specific hourly rate offered to a candidate will be based on their experience. Because this position is temporary, this position is not eligible for benefits.
Submission Deadline
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail hr@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.
