Staff Attorney - Southwest Region

State of Missouri; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 74,974 - 90,189; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri’s Division of Legal Services is seeking a Staff Attorney to represent the Department in the 31st, 38th and 46th circuits from the Southwest Region Litigation office in Springfield, MO.

The role carries regular hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) with flexibility, reports to the Landers State Office Building, and offers an annual starting salary range of $74,974.80–$90,189.58.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Represent and provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions;
• Represent DSS in courts and administrative hearings in your assigned area;
• Defend child abuse and neglect findings made by DSS;
• Ensure the confidentiality of information maintained by DSS;
• Work closely with DSS and its divisions and provide legal advice related to DSS services and cases.

Skills

Research and writing skills

Litigation experience

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited institution

Missouri Bar in good standing

Job description

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Staff Attorney to represent the Department in the 31st, 38th and 46th judicial circuits, managed by the Southwest Region Litigation office.

Job Posting Number: 4106 88P9032 & 4106 88P0009

Job Location: This position reports to the Landers State Office Building, 149 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO.

Scheduled Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (with flexibility to accommodate professional goals and workload).

Annual Starting Salary Range: $74,974.80 – $90,189.58 (commensurate with experience). Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time‑of‑service pay).

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) has opportunities for community-based legal practice with a focus on representation within a defined area to promote swift and safe resolution of juvenile court challenges experienced by children, and to facilitate working relationships with juvenile court partners, local law enforcement, service providers, and family support teams.

Why you’ll love this position: Are you passionate about public service? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Missouri children and families by providing comprehensive legal counsel and support to the Department of Social Services (DSS), with a special focus on permanency including reunification with a parent, guardianship, termination of parental rights/adoption, and another planned permanent living arrangement? At DLS, you’ll enjoy collaborating as part of a diverse team of attorneys located in offices around the state. If you want to make a difference, apply today and join DLS in our mission to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.

Responsibilities: In this trial attorney position, you will manage a diverse caseload of varying issues and encounter meaningful opportunities to be an integral part of the community of juvenile court and child welfare attorneys in your area. Your responsibilities include:

• Represent and provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions;
• Represent DSS in courts and administrative hearings in your assigned area;
• Defend child abuse and neglect findings made by DSS;
• Ensure the confidentiality of information maintained by DSS;
• Work closely with DSS and its divisions and provide legal advice related to DSS services and cases.

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.

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 Jon Wagner at [e-mail]. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at [e-mail] or call 573-526-0416.

Recruitment Area: All qualified applicants.

Application Deadline: August 27, 2026