Staff Attorney - Western Region

State of Missouri; Raytown (MO); On-site; USD 74 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri, Division of Legal Services, is seeking a Staff Attorney to represent the Western Region Litigation Office in juvenile court matters and to provide comprehensive legal counsel to the Department of Social Services (DSS) with focus on permanency and child welfare. The position reports to the Teasdale Office Building in Raytown, MO, with standard 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

hours and the potential for flexible scheduling to support professional goals and workload.

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.

Responsibilities

• Represent and provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions in courts and administrative hearings.
• Defend child abuse and neglect findings made by DSS and ensure confidentiality of information.
• Work closely with DSS divisions and provide legal advice related to DSS services and cases.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Litigation experience

Juvenile law knowledge

Administrative law knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Missouri Bar admission

Job description

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Staff Attorney to represent the Western Region Litigation Office, managed by the Kansas City Metro Litigation office.

Job Posting Number

4105 8869010

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).

Job Location

The positions report to the Teasdale Office Building at 880 E. 63rd Street, Raytown, MO 64133. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Scheduled Hours

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

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) has opportunities for community-based legal practice with a focus on representation within the KC Metro/Northwest Missouri region 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, services 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.

As a Litigation staff attorney for DLS, 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 the KC Metro/Northwest Missouri region including: represent and provide legal advice to DSS and its divisions; represent DSS in courts and administrative hearings; 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 Shannon Harvell at [e-mail]. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at [e-mail] or call 573-526-0416.

Application Deadline: October 19, 2026