Deputy General Counsel

Missouri Attorney General; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Attorney General's Office in Jefferson City is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to provide high‑level legal support to the General Counsel and the Office. You will oversee statutory programs, manage complex issues, and ensure alignment with Missouri law.

The role emphasizes contingency‑fee matters, Sunshine Law compliance, policy analysis, grant writing support, and cross‑divisional collaboration. Strong judgment, integrity, and the ability to work independently are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience practicing law preferred.
• Missouri Bar license or ability to obtain one is required.
• Experience with state government agencies and public-sector clients is a plus.
• Familiarity with both litigation and grant writing is desirable.
• Strong written communication and professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contingency-fee matters and ensure compliance with Missouri law and internal review processes.
• Coordinate Sunshine Law compliance program and guidance on Chapter 610, RSMo issues.
• Review policy initiatives, legislative proposals, and regulatory developments.
• Support organizational improvement and cross-divisional coordination.
• Assist with constituent relations and government clients, including sensitive matters.
• Provide ethical guidance on conflicts of interest and professional responsibility.
• Collaborate across divisions to identify legal risks and set standards.
• Serve as trusted advisor on emergent legal issues and governance matters.
• Assist with grant-writing efforts to support Office initiatives.

Skills

State government experience

Public-sector clients

Litigation

Grant writing

Legal analysis

Independent working

Education

Missouri Bar license

Job description

Deputy General Counsel

The Missouri Attorney General's Office is seeking a highly skilled attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel, reporting directly to the General Counsel. This role is central to the Office's strategic, operational, and compliance functions and provides high‑level legal support on matters affecting the Attorney General and the Office as a whole.

The Deputy General Counsel will oversee key statutory and operational programs, manage complex legal issues, and help ensure the Office's work aligns with its mission and obligations under Missouri law, including responsibilities outlined in Chapter 27, RSMo.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support management and oversight of all contingency‑fee matters, ensuring compliance with Missouri law, ethical requirements, contracting standards, and internal review processes.
• Assist in the oversight and coordination of the Office's Sunshine Law compliance program, including review of responses, guidance on Chapter 610, RSMo issues, and development of best practices.
• Review and analyze policy initiatives, legislative proposals, and regulatory developments, providing legal and strategic assessments to senior leadership.
• Support organizational improvement and operational efficiency initiatives, including cross‑divisional coordination, internal policy development, and workflow assessment.
• Assist with constituent relations, and government clients including responding to high‑impact inquiries, coordinating with government stakeholders, and helping to navigate sensitive or high‑visibility matters.
• Assist the General Counsel in provision of ethical guidance to the Attorney General and the Office, including analysis related to conflicts of interest, professional responsibility, and compliance considerations.
• Collaborate with divisions across the Office to identify legal risks, promote consistent standards, and help advance organizational priorities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel on emergent legal issues and internal governance matters.
• Offer support on matters involving litigation strategy or evaluation, including reviewing pleadings and advising divisions on legal risk.
• Assist with identifying, developing, or reviewing grant‑writing efforts where appropriate to support Office initiatives or external partnerships.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Strong experience working with state government agencies, Missouri officials, or public-sector clients. 5+ years of experience practicing law preferred.
• Prior or current experience within the Missouri Attorney General's Office is a significant plus. A Missouri Bar license (or ability to obtain one) is required.
• Familiarity or aptitude for both litigation (state or federal, civil or criminal) and grant writing, recognizing these as distinct skill sets.
• Thorough understanding of Missouri statutory frameworks, or demonstrated ability to obtain such mastery, including Chapter 27, RSMo and Chapter 610, RSMo.
• Exceptional legal judgment, analytical ability, and professionalism in sensitive or confidential matters.
• Outstanding written communication skills and ability to prepare clear, concise legal and policy analyses.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task effectively, and coordinate across multiple units.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with internal leadership, external agencies, and constituents.

Join a team dedicated to excellence in public service and committed to protecting the legal interests of the State of Missouri.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

EOE