Deputy District Defender (Managing Attorney) - Strike Force

State of Missouri; University City (MO); On-site; USD 97,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency is seeking a Deputy District Defender to provide high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. This role encompasses significant responsibilities in supervising other attorneys, leading cases involving complex legal matters, and ensuring effective trial strategies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong advocacy skills and a commitment to justice.

Benefits

Defined pension plan

Generous leave and holiday time

Health insurance coverage

Qualifications

• Significant experience in criminal defense required.
• Strong understanding of forensic and mental health issues.
• Ability to mentor and supervise attorneys effectively.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor attorneys within the office.
• Serve as a senior trial attorney on serious felony cases.
• Maintain a caseload of serious and complex felony matters.

Skills

Criminal defense

Forensic litigation

Trial advocacy

Legal research

Education

Licensed to practice law in Missouri

Job description

Deputy District Defender (Managing Attorney) - Strike Force

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Deputy District Defender (Managing Attorney) - Strike Force

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Direct message the job poster from State of Missouri

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right…to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” U.S. Constitution, Amendment VI…

Job Location: Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) – St. Louis, MO

Why You’ll Love This Position

The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney in criminal cases. We are committed to ensuring fair and just legal proceedings for all and upholding the constitutional right to counsel.

MSPD is seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy District Defender to join our Strike Force and Eastern Capital Litigation Trial Office. This position is ideal for an attorney with a strong foundation in criminal defense, forensic litigation, and commitment to defending the rights of indigent clients. While experience with capital litigation is a plus, this position places primary emphasis on leading our strike force team—ensuring high-level trial representation, forensic analysis, and systemic litigation strategies across the state.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor attorneys and staff, and support the overall management of the office in coordination with the District Defender.
• Serve as a senior trial attorney and team leader on serious felony cases, including those involving complex forensic or mental health issues.
• Participate in strike force efforts by providing support and mentoring to trial offices across Missouri, handling critical cases where specialized experience and litigation support are needed.
• Maintain a caseload that includes serious and complex felony matters, including capital and non-capital cases.
• Communicate and implement MSPD goals, policies, and best practices to ensure consistent and high-quality representation across the agency.
• Participate in training programs and encourage a culture of ongoing learning and professional development.
• Licensed to practice law in Missouri or eligible for admission by waiver.
• Significant experience in criminal defense, with a strong understanding of forensic and mental health issues.
• Demonstrated skill in trial advocacy, legal research, and motion practice.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop attorneys and legal staff.
• Commitment to indigent defense and systemic reform.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Missouri as needed.
• Experience in capital litigation is beneficial but not required.
  
  

This is a full-time position based in our St. Louis Defender Plex building and supervised by the Eastern Capital/Strike Force District Defender. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation with a salary of Salary: $96,336/year + Differential (Additional $6,000-$12,000/year) and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ 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 https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .

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Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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