Staff Attorney- Consumer Law

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Inc•St. Louis, MO

3d•$66,000 - $99,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney in its Consumer Law Program to address civil legal needs of St. Louis City residents affected by the May 16, 2025 tornado. The role combines litigation and other legal work with extensive community outreach and advocacy to improve access to justice and outcomes for tornado survivors. The attorney will identify and address survivors’ legal problems, which may include obtaining benefits, preventing homelessness or eviction, and seeking compensation. Work may include counseling and representing tenants in landlord-tenant matters; helping homeowners avoid or address construction repair scams and other unfair or deceptive contractor practices; providing other civil legal information, advice, or representation; educating survivors about legal rights and resources; and coordinating with government agencies, housing providers, disaster recovery organizations, and disaster case managers. LSEM is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to people with low income or limited opportunity. Since 1956, it has served low-income residents in 21 Missouri counties through individual casework, systemic advocacy, impact litigation, community education, and partnerships. The position has an in-person/remote hybrid work option after a short training period.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) in good standing and admission 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; self-directed and efficient.
Computer literacy, including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Team-oriented and highly flexible to meet client needs.
Creative and innovative approach to fulfilling the legal aid mission and supporting disaster victims’ legal needs.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience as a practicing attorney is preferred; 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 cases, including drafting pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and trials, and administrative hearings in civil law, particularly consumer and housing law.
Conduct community outreach and presentations.
Collaborate with internal Legal Services programs and external community partners serving tornado survivors.
Draft grant reports about tornado grant activities and, as needed, monitor grant spending in coordination with Finance and Development.
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 or combat construction repair scams and other unfair or deceptive contractor conduct.
Provide legal information, advice, or representation for civil legal problems faced by eligible tornado recovery clients.
Conduct outreach and education to identify disaster survivors’ legal needs and inform them about their rights and available resources.
Coordinate with local government agencies, housing providers, disaster recovery organizations, and disaster case managers to support tornado survivors.