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The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) is an agency dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney in criminal cases. We are committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel and ensuring fair and just legal proceedings for all.

As the Case Contracting Division Director, you will oversee the Case Contracting Division. Your primary responsibility will be determining conflicts of interest and providing conflict-free counsel to indigent criminal defendants through assignment of cases to Special Public Defenders (SPDs), private attorneys who contract with MSPD to provide such representation. You will also allocate funding statewide to provide caseload relief to MSPD offices via additional assignments of non-conflict cases to SPDs. This position offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the legal landscape of Missouri by providing private practitioners the opportunity to render public interest legal services to individuals with limited means.

Oversight And Leadership

• Lead the Case Contracting Division, ensuring appropriate case assignments to SPDs.
• Manage case assignments and spending; make complex conflict determinations.
• Provide consultation to and monitor performance of SPDs.
• Implement system policies and procedures; manage special projects.
• Prepare reports and attend MSPD Commission meetings.
• Provide updates to the Director on case contracting matters.
• Manage the Case Contracting Division website.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, screen, and approve SPDs for case assignments.
• Manage staffing needs and performance of the Case Contracting Division staff.
• Direct and review duties of office staff members.

Financial And Contract Management

• Oversee the approval of case-related expense requests in SPD case assignments.
• Track contract spending and consult with the MSPD budget manager on proposed spending projects.
• Evaluate viability of contracts with SPDs for entire counties, create county contracts, and monitor fiscal utility.

Training And Development

• Create and conduct presentations as requested by the Training Director.
• Assist with planning SPD training events and keep contract counsel informed of continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities.

Quality Assurance

• Review SPD performance and recognize exceptional work.
• Address complaints and concerns regarding SPD representation.

Education And Experience

• Licensed Missouri attorney in good standing.
• Significant criminal legal practice experience, preferably in a public defender system.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience preferred.

Skills And Abilities

• Commitment to client-centered representation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and handle complex issues.
• Integrity, professionalism, and management courage.

This is a full-time position based in Columbia.

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 .

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov