Specialty Practices Division Director

Salary: $124,680/year

Job Description

The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking an individual to serve as a Specialty Practices Division Director. The specialty practices of MSPD include six appellate/PCR offices, three capital offices, two Children’s Defense Teams, one Commitment Defense Unit, and one Parole Revocation Defense Team.

Placement will be in Missouri, with specific office location to be determined based upon the needs of MSPD and candidate availability. Must be willing to travel the entire state as needed.

MSPD Mission

The mission of the Missouri State Public Defender System is to provide high quality, zealous advocacy for indigent people who are accused of crime in the State of Missouri. The lawyers, administrative staff, and support staff of the Public Defender System will ensure that this advocacy is not compromised. To provide this uncompromised advocacy, the Defender System will supply each client with a high-quality, competent, ardent defense team at every stage of the process in which public defenders are necessary.

Responsibilities

The Specialty Practices Division Director will be responsible for:

  • Assisting offices to provide innovative, collaborative work environments that meet client needs and provide zealous representation
  • Providing leadership development, mentoring, and evaluation of local district offices and District Defenders
  • Addressing personnel matters involving staff in consultation with Human Resources
  • Collaborating with other director-level staff to fulfill the MSPD Mission
  • Communicating division-level needs and issues to MSPD Directors
  • Providing representation to public defender clients in an exemplary manner and implementing and assisting in strategic litigation as necessary

Qualifications

  • Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school
  • At least five years of criminal defense experience
  • Currently licensed to practice law in Missouri, or licensed in another state in good standing with willingness and ability to seek Missouri bar admission immediately upon hire
  • Demonstrated experience leading others
  • Effective communication skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate in both oral and written form
  • Ability to use all necessary electronic systems, including required e-filing systems, records management systems, and case tracking databases
  • Ability to effectively handle emergency or crisis situations in a calm and effective manner
  • Ability to process, organize, and manage complex litigation
  • Ability to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients, employees, colleagues, and court personnel in a respectful and appropriate manner
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle confidential information
  • Willingness and ability to treat every client, witness, employee, and colleague with dignity and respect
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills
  • A keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior or current service as a public defender
  • Prior or current administrative or supervisory experience
  • Prior experience handling personnel issues, including employee disciplinary issues
  • Experience working with economically and/or racially diverse populations