Attorney I

St. Louis County, Missouri; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. Louis County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is seeking passionate attorneys who are committed to public safety and advancing an equitable justice system.

This role offers significant courtroom experience, mentoring, and the chance to work alongside some of the region's most skilled trial lawyers. Attorneys will prosecute misdemeanors, handle felony matters at hearings and on appeal, and contribute to professional development through continuing legal education and specialized units as

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited American law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Missouri.
• Strong writing skills and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Prosecutes criminal misdemeanors for Missouri.
• Prosecutes criminal felony cases at preliminary hearing in Associate Circuit Court and in Circuit Court on a limited basis.
• Represents the State in criminal appeals.
• Represents the State Board of Probation and Parole in probation matters.
• Evaluates facts, reports, evidence and witness statements which allege the criminal action.
• Responds to petitions for habeas corpus.
• Presents the State's position in post-trial motions and appellate briefs.
• Instructs investigators on case preparation tasks.
• Participates in pleas and sentencing in circuit court.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong courtroom presence

Exceptional writing skills

Education

Juris Doctorate degree (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Discover Your Future with Opportunity Central!

Job Description Summary:

Do you want to be part of meaningful change within our community? The St. Louis County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is seeking passionate attorneys who are committed to public safety and advancing an equitable justice system. This role offers significant courtroom experience, impactful public service, and the chance to work alongside some of the region's most skilled attorneys and trial lawyers.

Job Description:

This position provides an opportunity to directly support justice, serve the public, and gain substantial litigation experience. Attorneys in this role take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers, receive hands‑on mentoring, and contribute to strengthening public trust in the legal system.

Why You Should Consider a Career as an Attorney I:

Meaningful Work:

• Supports St. Louis County's mission by promoting fairness, public safety, and accessible justice for residents through the ethical and effective prosecution of criminal cases.

Professional Growth:

This role offers substantial opportunities for professional development and advancement. Prosecutors gain intensive courtroom experience early in their careers, including trial work, motion practice, and appellate argument. You will receive mentorship from experienced trial attorneys, participate in continuing legal education, and develop expertise in criminal law, legal strategy, and case management. As skills progress, attorneys may advance into specialized units, leadership roles, or senior prosecutorial positions within the office.

Qualities of a Standout Candidate:

A successful prosecutor is an analytical thinker with strong courtroom presence, exceptional writing skills, and a commitment to justice, equity, and collaboration. Top candidates are responsible, detail‑oriented, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced legal environment.

Starting Salary:

$63,473-$74,271 annually depending on qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• St. Louis County offers a robust benefits package including affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous Paid Time Off beginning in the first year; 11 paid holidays; and a deferred benefit retirement plan.
• Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prosecutes criminal misdemeanors for the State of Missouri.
• Prosecutes criminal felony cases at preliminary hearing in Associate Circuit Court and in Circuit Court on a limited basis.
• Represents the State in criminal appeals.
• Represents the State Board of Probation and Parole in matters of probation revocations.
• Processes criminal warrants charging defendants with crimes by evaluating facts, reports, evidence and witness statements which allege the criminal action.
• Responds to petitions for habeas corpus.
• Appears for the State on default judgments, drafts post‑trial motions and appellate briefs to support the State's position concerning legal issues.
• Instructs investigators as to specific tasks required for the preparation of a case.
• Participates in pleas and sentencing in circuit court on behalf of the state.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates should possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an American law school accredited by the American Bar Association and licensure to practice law in the State of Missouri.

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre ‑ employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the candidate by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate's history to the position.
• Candidates must complete the drug test within 48 hours of receiving a conditional offer; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

At St. Louis County, we're not just about jobs, we're about opportunity.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affili