Staff Attorney- Lasting Solutions Family Law Program

at  Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

JOB SUMMARY:

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (Legal Services), a nonprofit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services, seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for its Lasting Solutions Family Law Program.
The Staff Attorney will provide representation to low-income individuals who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence in orders of protection, divorce, custody, and paternity cases in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, and Jefferson County. In addition to direct client representation, this position may involve systemic advocacy on issues relating to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Lasting Solutions consists of an interdisciplinary team offering holistic advocacy and is co-managed by an attorney and a social worker. The Staff Attorney will work in close collaboration with the other attorneys, social workers, and paralegals on Lasting Solutions to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
• Experiences working in family law and with survivors of domestic or sexual violence preferred, but not required
• Ability to build relationships with clients and community programs across lines of difference, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, and citizenship status
• Strong litigation, advocacy, communication and work ethic
• Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission

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.

• All aspects of family law litigation, including client interviews, drafting pleadings, discovery, fact-gathering, and courtroom advocacy
• Managing a caseload of diverse domestic violence survivors
• Conducting legal research and analysis as needed
• Carrying out community outreach and presentations in coordination with the LSP team and community partners
• Working collaboratively with Lasting Solutions’ staff, other Legal Services programs, and community partners serving this population
• Supervising law student interns