Staff Attorney - Central Region

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

MOSERS retirement benefits

Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays

Hybrid work options

Training and CLE opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

State of Missouri seeks a Staff Attorney for the Division of Legal Services in Jefferson City. The role provides legal counsel to DSS, handling juvenile and civil litigation to promote permanency outcomes for Missouri children.

Hybrid work options follow onboarding, with potential remote scheduling per agency policy. Requires JD, Missouri Bar admission, strong research/writing, and litigation experience. Open to statewide collaboration.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution.
• Licensed to practice law in Missouri.
• Strong research and writing skills are required.
• Experience in litigation and a background in juvenile, family, and administrative law are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent DSS in juvenile court, administrative hearings, and other proceedings, often appearing early in tenure.
• Manage civil litigation related to child welfare matters, including motions, hearings, negotiations, and trial prep.
• Provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions on a wide range of issues.
• Defend child welfare determinations made by DSS in circuit court.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Collaborate with DSS staff to support case strategy and permanency planning.

Skills

Litigation experience

Research skills

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Missouri Bar Admission

Job description

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is seeking a dedicated and mission‑driven Staff Attorney to join our Central Regional Litigation team in Jefferson City, Missouri. As a DLS Staff Attorney, you’ll serve as legal counsel for the Department in the Central region/area, advising its program divisions on a wide range of legal issues and helping promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children and families. Hybrid work options are available following the required in office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.

Job Posting Number

4103 8869011, 4103 88P9058, 4103 88P9121, 4103 88P9982

Annual salary

$74,974.80 - $90,189.58. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Job Location

This position is located at 221 West High Street, Jefferson City. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Schedule

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility and hybrid work options to support your professional goals and workload.

Why you’ll love this position

Are you driven by public service and ready to step straight into meaningful courtroom work? As a Staff Attorney with the Division of Legal Services (DLS), you will take on active litigation responsibilities that support the Department of Social Services (DSS) and advance permanency outcomes for Missouri children through reunification, guardianship, adoption, and other planned permanent living arrangements.

You will become part of a statewide team of attorneys who value collaboration, purpose, and professional growth. This role places you at the center of juvenile and civil litigation practice in your region, with daily opportunities to advocate in court, shape outcomes for families, and help overcome legal barriers to permanency for children. If you’re seeking a position where your legal skills make a direct and lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

As a Staff Attorney, you will manage a diverse caseload that offers both courtroom exposure and substantive civil litigation experience. Your responsibilities will include:

• Representing DSS in juvenile court, administrative hearings, and other proceedings, often appearing in court early in your tenure.
• Managing civil litigation related to child welfare matters, including motions, evidentiary hearings, negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Providing legal advice to DSS and its divisions on a wide range of issues.
• Defending child abuse and neglect determinations made by DSS in circuit court.
• Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Collaborating with DSS staff to support case strategy and permanency planning.

This role offers the unique combination of litigation, collaboration, and public service, and is ideal for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom experience with a strong mission-driven focus.

Growth Opportunities

We are committed to helping you build a strong and rewarding legal career. In this position, you will have:

• Immediate opportunities to develop litigation skills in juvenile and civil matters.
• Collaboration with experienced attorneys across the state.
• Advancement pathways within DLS and DSS.
• Opportunities to lead complex cases, build subject‑matter expertise, and develop trial experience.
• Opportunities for involvement in statewide initiatives and committees.

Benefits

DLS provides a supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement and pension benefits through MOSERS.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and state holidays.
• Hybrid work options are available following a required in‑office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.
• Training and continuing legal education opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.

Minimum Qualifications: A juris doctor from an accredited institution and membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar. Competent research and writing skills are required. Experience in litigation and a background in juvenile, family, and administrative law are preferred but not required.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post‑secondary degrees.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. 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 here.

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Joshua DeLeeuw at [e-mail] call 660-234-7350. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at [e-mail] or call 573-526-0416.

Recruitment Area

Open to all qualified Candidates

Application Deadline

December 21, 2026