Working for MSPD

Working for MSPD

Why should you come work for MSPD? Watch this and find out:

Each local MSPD office has the advantage of a statewide system of resources and funding. We dedicate ourselves to an environment of teamwork, camaraderie, and zealous defense of clients. We work diligently in our common mission but realize the importance of a work/life balance for employees.

For Melissa Bradley, an MSPD public defender in Lebanon, public service and community connect her to public defense work. Read more about her story by clicking on the image below:

Melissa Bradley stands smiling outside next to quote describing support from colleagues at MSPD officeHere’s what some of our attorneys say about working with MSPD:

“I became a public defender because I believe that the quality of justice one receives in America should not depend upon the quantity of money one has to spend.”

“Working as an attorney for the Public Defender System is engaging and rewarding. I was previously a prosecuting attorney, but found the switch to public defender work to be more challenging and educational. I never get bored here or feel like I am stuck in a rut!”

“Perhaps the real satisfaction is when you’ve lost the case, which was hopeless from the beginning, your client’s been hammered and is going away for a long time, and that client looks you in the eye and says, ‘Don’t worry, I know you were out there fighting for me and you did everything you could.” 

“There is always something new and it’s always interesting. I love the brainstorming and working with other attorneys.”

“Collegiality is terrific. I can always get help and support from the other attorneys in our office.”

“Management really promotes the use of your vacation time and encourages work/life balance. It’s easy to get time off if your kids are sick.”

“As a public defender I can practice law and manage my own caseload without the stresses of chasing after clients to get paid. We have resources for depositions and investigations, and really have the ability to mount a zealous defense. I don’t have to worry about the business side of practicing law at MSPD. And it is NEVER boring!”

Benefits of working in an underserved community:

“There is the ability to get involved—you can really make a difference in the community.”

“We’re close to the great state parks of Missouri; there’s hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. If you love gardening or homesteading that’s possible here too.”