City Attorney Jobs in Missouri
City Attorney jobs in Missouri are concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, where municipal governments, regional authorities, and large public institutions maintain active legal departments. Employers with a lasting presence in Missouri's public legal sector include the City of Kansas City, the City of St. Louis, and Jackson County. The most in-demand specialties are municipal law, land use and zoning, and public contract administration, with openings at every level from assistant city attorney to city attorney general counsel. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Missouri State Public Defender is seeking an ambitious attorney with criminal law experience to serve as Deputy District Defender for the Jefferson City Trial Office. Duties will include assisting with the overall management of the office including administration, mentoring, and supervising. Other responsibilities include communicating and implementing MSPD goals and policies. The Deputy District Defender will serve in the absence of the District Defender and will also maintain a serious and complex caseload.
Responsibilities - What you’ll doThe Deputy District Defender at the Trial Office will work closely with the District Defender to support in overseeing a dedicated team of attorneys. Responsible for assisting in maintaining caseload responsibilities, the Deputy District Defender will be involved in case assignments, employee performance monitoring, hiring, and the development and implementation of office policies. This leadership role contributes to ensuring the highest standards of legal advocacy, protecting and advocating for the rights of indigent clients.
Additionally, the Deputy District Defender will serve in the absence of the District Defender, providing continuity of leadership and representation for the office.
Job duties include:
- Management and Leadership:
- Provide leadership and direction to a team of attorneys and support staff.
- Oversee case assignments and workload distribution among staff attorneys.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
- Caseload Management:
- Manage a caseload of serious and complex cases in accordance with office standards and guidelines.
- Administer case assignments effectively and efficiently.
- Ensure timely and effective representation of clients in all court proceedings.
- Review and provide guidance on legal strategies, briefs, and pleadings prepared by staff attorneys.
- Employee Performance Monitoring:
- Conduct regular evaluations of attorney performance and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
- Address performance issues and provide training or resources as needed to support staff development.
- Recognize and reward exceptional performance and dedication to client advocacy.
- Hiring and Development:
- Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of new staff attorneys and support personnel.
- Coordinate and oversee the onboarding process for new hires, including orientation and training.
- Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities to support the growth and advancement of staff members.
- Policy Development and Implementation:
- Develop and implement office policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and best practices related to the justice system.
- Communicate and enforce office policies and standards to promote consistency and adherence to ethical guidelines.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, or transferring bar license from a different state.
- Experience with serious and complex litigation.
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably in a legal setting.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to effectively delegate tasks and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to the mission of the Missouri State Public Defender's office and to providing zealous advocacy for indigent clients.
- Knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and rules applicable in Missouri.
- Experience in hiring, training, and supervising legal professionals.
If you're a dynamic leader with a passion for justice we encourage you to apply.
This is a full-time position based in Jefferson City. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov
#LI-TD1
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.Missouri State Public Defender is seeking an ambitious attorney with criminal law experience to serve as Deputy District Defender for the Jefferson City Trial Office. Duties will include assisting with the overall management of the office including administration, mentoring, and supervising. Other responsibilities include communicating and implementing MSPD goals and policies. The Deputy District Defender will serve in the absence of the District Defender and will also maintain a serious and complex caseload.
Responsibilities - What you’ll doThe Deputy District Defender at the Trial Office will work closely with the District Defender to support in overseeing a dedicated team of attorneys. Responsible for assisting in maintaining caseload responsibilities, the Deputy District Defender will be involved in case assignments, employee performance monitoring, hiring, and the development and implementation of office policies. This leadership role contributes to ensuring the highest standards of legal advocacy, protecting and advocating for the rights of indigent clients.
Additionally, the Deputy District Defender will serve in the absence of the District Defender, providing continuity of leadership and representation for the office.
Job duties include:
- Management and Leadership:
- Provide leadership and direction to a team of attorneys and support staff.
- Oversee case assignments and workload distribution among staff attorneys.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
- Caseload Management:
- Manage a caseload of serious and complex cases in accordance with office standards and guidelines.
- Administer case assignments effectively and efficiently.
- Ensure timely and effective representation of clients in all court proceedings.
- Review and provide guidance on legal strategies, briefs, and pleadings prepared by staff attorneys.
- Employee Performance Monitoring:
- Conduct regular evaluations of attorney performance and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
- Address performance issues and provide training or resources as needed to support staff development.
- Recognize and reward exceptional performance and dedication to client advocacy.
- Hiring and Development:
- Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of new staff attorneys and support personnel.
- Coordinate and oversee the onboarding process for new hires, including orientation and training.
- Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities to support the growth and advancement of staff members.
- Policy Development and Implementation:
- Develop and implement office policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and best practices related to the justice system.
- Communicate and enforce office policies and standards to promote consistency and adherence to ethical guidelines.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, or transferring bar license from a different state.
- Experience with serious and complex litigation.
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably in a legal setting.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to effectively delegate tasks and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to the mission of the Missouri State Public Defender's office and to providing zealous advocacy for indigent clients.
- Knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and rules applicable in Missouri.
- Experience in hiring, training, and supervising legal professionals.
If you're a dynamic leader with a passion for justice we encourage you to apply.
This is a full-time position based in Jefferson City. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov
#LI-TD1
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.See All 10 City Attorney Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find City Attorney JobsCity Attorney Jobs by City in Missouri
Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.
City Attorney Job Market in Missouri
A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Missouri Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in city attorney jobs across Missouri.
- Active Missouri law license issued by the Missouri Board of Law Examiners required
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Experience in municipal, government, or public sector law practice
- Familiarity with Missouri statutes, local ordinances, and administrative law
- Ability to advise elected officials, city departments, and boards on legal matters
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills for litigation and public hearings
City Attorney Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a city attorney in Missouri?
To become a city attorney in Missouri, you must first earn a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and pass the Missouri Bar Examination administered by the Missouri Board of Law Examiners. After passing, you register for admission to the Missouri Bar through the Supreme Court of Missouri. Most city attorney positions then require several years of experience in municipal or government law before a candidate is considered for a lead city attorney role.
Which companies hire city attorneys in Missouri?
Employers hiring city attorneys in Missouri right now include Stinson Leonard Street, State of Missouri, and City of Springfield, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Missouri's municipal governments, county authorities, and regional transit and utility bodies are the most consistent sources of city attorney openings across the state.
Which Missouri cities have the most city attorney jobs?
Kansas City, Jefferson City, and Springfield have the most city attorney openings in Missouri. Kansas City and St. Louis drive the highest volume because of their large municipal governments, regional agencies, and public authorities, while Springfield and Columbia generate steady demand as growing mid-size cities with expanding legal and administrative needs.
Are there remote city attorney jobs in Missouri?
Yes, but they're rare. City attorney work is rooted in advising local government bodies, attending council meetings, and appearing before courts and boards, which keeps most roles on-site. About 100% of city attorney openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. The portions most likely to allow remote work are contract drafting, legal research, and written opinion work.
How can I get hired as a city attorney in Missouri with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an assistant city attorney role, which larger Missouri municipalities such as Kansas City and St. Louis regularly post for recent bar admittees. Look for new attorney programs within county counselor offices and public defender-adjacent positions at Missouri state agencies that build transferable government law experience. A Missouri Bar license, a clerkship with a Missouri circuit or appellate court, and demonstrated writing through moot court or law review strengthen early applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to city attorney jobs in Missouri?
You can find and apply to city attorney jobs in Missouri on Migrate Mate, which lists current Missouri openings from municipal governments, counties, and public authorities across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly.
See All 10 City Attorney Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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