Staff Attorney - Hybrid Juvenile and Civil Litigation

State-of-Missour; Springfield (MO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Hybrid work options

Training and continuing legal教育

Employee assistance programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

State of Missouri's Division of Legal Services seeks a mission‑driven Staff Attorney for the Southwest Regional Litigation team. You will counsel the Department of Social Services and handle active juvenile and civil litigation, with an emphasis on permanency outcomes through reunification, guardianship, adoption, and other permanency planning.

This role combines courtroom advocacy with collaboration and public service.

Qualifications

• Juris doctor from an accredited institution and Missouri Bar in good standing.
• Strong research and writing skills required.
• Experience in litigation and juvenile, family, and administrative law preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent DSS in juvenile court, admin hearings, and other proceedings.
• Manage civil litigation related to child welfare, including motions and trial prep.
• Provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions on wide range of issues.
• Defend child abuse/neglect determinations in circuit court.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Collaborate with DSS staff to support case strategy and permanency planning.
• This role offers the unique combination of litigation, collaboration, and public service.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Litigation

Juvenile law

Administrative law

Education

Juris Doctor

Bar admission (Missouri)

Job description

State of Missouri's Division of Legal Services seeks a mission‑driven Staff Attorney for the Southwest Regional Litigation team. You will counsel the Department of Social Services and handle active juvenile and civil litigation, with an emphasis on permanency outcomes through reunification, guardianship, adoption, and other permanency planning.

This role combines courtroom advocacy with collaboration and public service.