Staff Attorney- Consumer Law

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri•St. Louis, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to people with low income or limited opportunity. LSEM is hiring a full-time Staff Attorney in its Consumer Law Program to serve St. Louis City residents whose legal needs resulted from the May 16, 2025 tornado. The work includes litigation and other legal services, extensive community outreach, and advocacy to improve access to justice and outcomes for tornado survivors. The attorney will focus on identifying and addressing survivors’ legal problems, which may include obtaining benefits, preventing homelessness or eviction, and seeking compensation. Clients will primarily be low-income St. Louis City households and individuals affected by the tornado. Work may include counseling and representation on landlord-tenant matters, assistance and education to help homeowners address construction repair scams and other unfair or deceptive contractor practices, and other civil legal information, advice, or representation. The role also involves educating survivors about legal rights and resources and coordinating with government agencies, housing providers, disaster recovery organizations, and disaster case managers. LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services, working with community partners to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities. It has provided civil legal assistance in 21 Missouri counties since 1956 and undertakes systemic advocacy, impact litigation, and individual casework across a range of civil legal areas. The position offers an in-person/remote hybrid work option after a short training period.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree and admission in good standing to practice in Missouri, or eligibility for admission to the Missouri Bar.
Strong litigation and advocacy skills, or willingness to learn these skills.
Ability to relate well to clients with low income and collaborate with community stakeholders.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and efficiently.
Computer literacy and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Team-oriented and highly flexible approach to meeting client needs.
Creative and innovative approach to fulfilling the legal aid mission and supporting disaster victims.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience as a practicing attorney; new graduates may apply.
Experience with disaster recovery work.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law or legal services for people with low income.
Familiarity with legal case management software.

Responsibilities

Litigate assigned civil law cases, particularly in consumer and housing law, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery and motion practice, preparing for trial, conducting trials, and handling administrative hearings.
Provide legal counseling and full or partial representation to tenants with landlord-tenant issues, including evictions and lease disputes.
Provide legal assistance or education to homeowners to help them avoid and address construction repair scams and other unfair or deceptive contractor practices.
Provide other legal information, advice, or representation for civil legal problems faced by eligible tornado recovery clients.
Conduct community outreach and presentations to identify disaster survivors’ legal needs and inform them about legal rights and available resources.
Coordinate with local government agencies, housing providers, disaster recovery organizations, and disaster case managers to support tornado survivors.
Work collaboratively with LSEM programs and external community partners serving tornado survivors.
Draft grant reports about tornado grant activities and, as needed, monitor grant spending with Finance and Development.