Staff Attorney- Union, MO Office

Description

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a nonprofit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to clients living with low income and limited opportunity, seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in its Union, Missouri office and the counties of Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery, Warren, and Washington. This is a hybrid work position, with three days per week expected in the office. Additional remote work may be authorized, depending on requirements for court appearances.

The Staff Attorney will provide direct representation to clients in the counties served by the office in a range of civil legal areas. The majority of cases are family law representing survivors of domestic violence survivors in orders of protection, divorce, custody, paternity cases and minor guardianships. The Staff Attorney will represent tenants facing eviction and loss of housing assistance, and consumers facing collection actions, and potentially of work on systemic issues facing our client population. The Staff Attorney will provide outreach, community education and training about legal issues that affect our client population. 

LSEM’s Union office offers holistic advocacy. The Staff Attorney will work in close collaboration with the managing attorney, other attorneys, social workers, and paralegals in the Union office and other LSEM offices.

Responsibilities

· All aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and trials and appeals when needed

· Managing a diverse caseload of legal issues spanning jurisdictions in Warren, Lincoln, Franklin, Montgomery, and Washington counties

· Recognizing major systemic issues affecting the lives of low-income rural clients and litigating them when possible 

· Conducting legal research and analysis 

· Conducting community outreach and presentations

· Working collaboratively with other staff throughout LSEM, other Legal Services programs and community partners serving this population

· Other duties or tasks as assigned

Requirements

· JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted) 

· Demonstrated commitment to public interest law work or to legal services for persons living with low-income strongly preferred 

· Experience working in family law and with survivors of domestic or sexual violence preferred

· Knowledge of USDA, HUD, and other regulations related to housing, and FDCPA and other consumer protection laws is helpful

· Strong litigation and advocacy skills 

· Ability to relate well and work with low-income rural clients and collaborate with community stakeholders 

· Strong communication skills, work ethic, flexibility, and teamwork

· Strong organizational skills 

· Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission

· Must have own transportation and be able to drive to court and to meet with clients across numerous counties.

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 without a cover letter will not be considered.
 

Salary & Benefits Information
The annual salary range for this position is $66,000-$99,000. Specific salary offered to a candidate will be based on their relevant years of experience. There are opportunities for advancement, including raises. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending accounts.
 

Submission Deadline

Applications will be considered until 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.