Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Staff Attorney to represent the Department in the 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th and Wayne County in the 42nd judicial circuit, managed by the Southeast Regional Litigation Unit.
Job Posting Number: 4104 8869123 & 8869122
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 position will report to 272 South Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. 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 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, 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. 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 - What you’ll do
In these trial attorney positions, 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, including: 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.
Qualifications - All you need for success
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.
Job Details - More reasons to love this position
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.
Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
If you have questions about this position, please contact Alexa Hart Lorenz at [email protected]. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at [email protected] or call 573-526-0416.
Recruitment Area: All qualified applicants.
Application Deadline: July 23, 2026
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.
