Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in its Consumer Law Program. The Consumer Program focuses its work on consumer issues including tenant’s rights. 

• Consumer debt-defense litigation and counterclaims
• Consumer fraud, deception, and abuse cases against businesses such as auto dealers, lenders, and landlords and property managers that engage in fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive acts and practices against consumer clients
• Tenant’s rights litigation, such as tenant litigation against abusive and neglectful landlords and tenant eviction defense
• Preventing or reversing improper executions on judgments

The Staff Attorney will represent clients in state (and possibly federal) civil court proceedings. In other cases, the Staff Attorney will provide client counseling and brief legal services such as:

• Assisting clients with credit report issues or identity theft recovery
• Investigating and stopping debt collector harassment;
• Investigating and negotiating with businesses regarding alleged consumer debts and claims

Responsibilities

• Conducting client interviews and maintaining good client communication
• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Investigating and gathering facts for cases
• Handling all aspects of client litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery, service of summons and subpoenas, motion practice, depositions, trial preparation, and trials
• Participating in community lawyering, educational presentations, and community outreach
• Participating in LSEM's systemic advocacy efforts, including identifying ways and means to make significant impacts in our communities
• Collaborating with funders and community partners
• Supervising law student interns
• Other duties as assigned by the supervising attorney

• JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
• Strong communication skills, work ethic, flexibility and teamwork
• Ability to work with low-income clients
• Willingness to collaborate with community stakeholders
• Strong advocacy skills
• Strong organizational and case management skills
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new technology to improve client services

What we do
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 and has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Who we are

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.

How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
 

Salary & Benefits Information
The annual salary range for this position is $66,000-$99,000. Specific salary offered to a candidate will be based on their relevant years of experience. There are opportunities for advancement, including raises. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending accounts. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is available, after an adequate initial in-person training period.

Submission Deadline

Applications will be considered until position is filled.

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail HR@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.