Staff Attorney (Full-Time, Temporary through January 2024)
Consumer Law Program (Housing Advocacy)
In person/remote hybrid work option available; in person court appearances required.
Job Summary:
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a full-time temporary Staff Attorney to work in its Consumer Law Program, focusing on housing cases. This program assists clients with a variety of consumer disputes, including housing issues such as affirmative litigation in cases with very poor living conditions in eviction situations, illegal lock-outs, discrimination, and other housing issues, often involving known landlords who treat tenants unfairly.
The Staff Attorney will work with low-income families and individuals providing legal representation in state court. Additionally, this position may involve systemic advocacy through impact litigation in state and federal court, community lawyering and outreach, and other forms of broad-based advocacy as appropriate.
Responsibilities:
-Conducting client interviews, investigation, and fact gathering;
-Drafting pleadings, written discovery, correspondence, and memoranda;
-Conducting legal research and analysis;
-Engaging in trial work and making other court appearances;
-Conducting discovery, document review, and taking depositions;
-Participating in community outreach and presentations
Who we are:
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Salary & Benefits Information:
Salary range is $28.85/hr. - $43.27/hr. Specific hourly rate within the range will be determined by years of experience. This position ends in January 2024 and is not benefit eligible.
Submission Deadline: Applications will be considered until position is filled.
Qualifications:
-JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
-At least 2 years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred, but not required
-Demonstrated commitment to public interest law work or to legal services for the poor strongly preferred
-Strong litigation and advocacy skills
-Ability to relate well and work with low-income clients and collaborate with community stakeholders
-Strong communication skills, work ethic, flexibility, and teamwork
-Strong organizational skills
-Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office
How to Apply:
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application at: https://jobapply.page.link/KfiFW
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.