Legal Counsel II

Complete Guide: Legal Counsel II at the State of Missouri (Missouri Circuit Courts)

The Missouri Judiciary is seeking a highly qualified and motivated legal professional to fill the position of Legal Counsel II in Columbia, Missouri. This full-time, mid-senior level role offers an exceptional opportunity to represent and provide comprehensive legal counsel to the Juvenile Office within the Missouri Circuit Courts. The selected attorney will establish a direct attorney-client relationship with the Juvenile Office, acting under the guidance of the Chief Juvenile Officer or their designee.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Legal Counsel II will serve multiple critical functions, balancing court representation with advisory duties. The primary responsibilities include:

• Litigation: Actively litigating cases at both the trial and appellate levels on behalf of the juvenile officer.
• Advisory & Evaluation: Providing the Juvenile Office with clear, informed guidance regarding its legal rights, obligations, and the implications of potential actions.
• Advocacy & Negotiation: Zealously asserting the Juvenile Officer's position within the adversary system while seeking advantageous, ethical resolutions.
• Legal Research: Conducting in-depth research and analysis of state and federal statutes, local ordinances, court rules, and case law.
• Operational Support: Screening incoming referrals for legal sufficiency and preparing or approving initial and responsive pleadings in a timely manner.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered for the role:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school (J.D. or equivalent).
• Licensure: A current, active license to practice law in the State of Missouri.
• Bar Membership: Membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar Association.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate should possess:

• Comprehensive knowledge of general law, state/federal statutes, and local court rules.
• Strong analytical, writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with electronic filing systems, juvenile record-keeping, and database management.
• The ability to organize complex facts and present cases in a clear, concise manner.
• Capability to design and conduct training sessions on the legal aspects of court procedures.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of Missouri offers a highly competitive total compensation package that extends beyond the base salary. Benefits include:

• A secure, defined pension plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid holiday time.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage eligibility.
• Tenure-based differential pay opportunities for state service.

Application & Inquiry Details

Interested candidates can apply directly through the official job posting. For specific inquiries regarding the position, application steps, or general employment questions with the Missouri Judiciary, candidates may contact the recruitment team via email at kayla.turley@courts.mo.gov.