Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division represents clients in criminal appeals and post-conviction proceedings, ensuring that convictions and sentences are reviewed for legal error and that constitutional rights are protected.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Legal Assistant to support attorneys handling appellate and post-conviction relief cases. This position plays an important role in managing case files, organizing records, preparing legal documents, communicating with clients and courts, and helping attorneys meet critical filing deadlines. If you enjoy working in a collaborative legal environment and have strong organizational skills, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful work within Missouri's criminal justice system.
Responsibilities - What you’ll do
- Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys handling criminal appeals and post-conviction relief cases.
- Organize, review, and maintain appellate and post-conviction case files, transcripts, exhibits, and court records.
- Prepare, proofread, and format legal correspondence, motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
- Monitor filing deadlines and maintain attorney calendars to ensure timely submission of court filings.
- File legal documents with appellate and circuit courts using electronic filing systems.
- Communicate with clients, courts, correctional institutions, prosecutors, and other agencies regarding case status and records requests.
- Request, track, and organize transcripts, trial records, exhibits, and other documents necessary for appellate review.
- Assist attorneys with legal research, cite checking, and document preparation as directed.
- Maintain confidential client information and ensure accurate records management.
- Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and provide general administrative support to the office.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - All you need for success
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Three years of office, administrative, or related clerical experience.
- Legal office experience preferred.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other office technology.
- Ability to proofread documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
- Knowledge of legal terminology, appellate procedures, or court filing systems is preferred but not required.
Job Details - More reasons to love this position
This is a full-time position based in St. Louis. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at Here . 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 .
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
[email protected]
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The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.
