Staff Attorney- Education Justice Program
Job Summary:
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a nonprofit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to people living with low-income/low opportunity is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney in its Education Justice Program. The goal of the Education Justice Program is to combat the systemic issues that create racial and ethnic disparities in education, which lead to school push out and health disparities. The Education Justice Program seeks to advance education equity and racial justice for all children in Missouri primarily through impact, affirmative litigation and other impact advocacy tools including community lawyering, legislative and policy advocacy, and media advocacy.
Responsibilities:
-Use litigation and other impact advocacy tools to address policies and practices that create barriers to equal opportunities in education for individuals marginalized by lack of resources, race, disability, or other circumstances.
-Engage with a wide range of community partners in cases and initiatives to help carry out systemic advocacy using a racial equity lens and a community lawyering approach.
-Work closely with and report directly to the Education Justice Program Managing Attorney to identify and develop systemic advocacy issues concerning education equity.
-Work with EJP Managing Attorney, Staff Attorney, and Social Worker to put together and participate in litigation teams for various education equity cases and bring in outside resources as needed to partner with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s attorneys.
-Participate in individual advocacy and community education for the purposes of investigating systemic issues and forming relationships with members of the community.
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:
The salary range is $60,000-$90,000. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending account. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is also available.
Submission Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Qualifications:
-JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted).
-At least 3 - 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred, but not required.
-Experience with federal and state court litigation preferred, but not required.
-Demonstrated commitment to public interest law work or to legal services for the poor strongly preferred.
-Racial justice advocacy experience preferred.
-Strong litigation skills including legal research and writing skills.
-Community lawyering skills preferred.
-Strong communication skills, work ethic, flexibility, and teamwork.
-Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission.
How to Apply:
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application at https://jobapply.page.link/vUX9F. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.