Missouri Justice Fellowship

Missouri Justice Fellowship Program

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About Our Fellowship Program

We are seeking social justice-oriented changemakers for a two-year criminal defense fellowship opportunity to make a meaningful impact on criminal justice in Missouri. The August 2024 Fellowship Class will receive two weeks of hands-on, intensive trial training with ongoing training and CLE opportunities throughout the fellowship.

Fellows will learn all aspects of litigation, from arraignment through disposition, whether that be plea or trial. After training, Fellows will be placed in underserved communities throughout Missouri to bring about change, making the criminal justice system more fair for everyone. During their two-year term, Fellows will manage their own caseload, gain hands-on trial experience, and have additional training and networking opportunities throughout Missouri.

The fellowship term is August 2024 through July 2026. Placement in underserved communities as determined by MSPD. Fellows must remain open to placement statewide. Fellows of the 2024 class may be placed in following locations: Chillicothe, Farmington, Jackson, Kennett, Kirksville, Hannibal, Lebanon, Moberly, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Union or West Plains.

Applicant Qualifications

Our program is open to any candidate licensed to practice law in Missouri or sitting for the Missouri Bar Exam in July 2024. We are looking for candidates with an interest in public criminal defense, a passion for social justice, and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. We are accepting applications now.

Further Information

To be considered for the August 2024 Fellowship Class, please forward your resume to Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov. For any questions about our fellowship program, contact Hannah Vaughn in Human Resources at Hannah.Vaughn@mspd.mo.gov.

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