District Defender (Managing Attorney) - Western Capital

The Missouri State Public Defender Capital Division is home to some of the most dedicated and experienced attorneys in the state. Representing clients charged with capital murder who cannot afford counsel, the Capital Division operates from offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia and provides representation in the state’s most complex and high-stakes cases. The division’s attorneys and staff work to ensure fairness, uphold constitutional principles, and safeguard the lives and rights of indigent defendants facing the possibility of the death penalty.

The District Defender at the Capital Office serves as the managing attorney, overseeing a team of highly skilled attorneys, investigators, and support staff. In addition to maintaining a limited caseload of capital cases, the District Defender is responsible for case assignments, staff performance, hiring, and the development and implementation of office policies and training. This leadership role is critical to ensuring the highest standards of legal advocacy and to advancing MSPD’s mission of zealous representation for every client.

Job duties include:

Management and Leadership:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to a team of capital defense attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and administrative staff.
  
  
• Oversee case assignments and workload distribution to ensure balanced and effective representation.
  
  
• Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth, mentorship, and staff well-being.
  
  

Caseload and Litigation Management:

• Manage a caseload of capital and complex felony cases consistent with MSPD standards and national best practices.
  
  
• Review and provide guidance on defense strategy, pleadings, and case preparation.
  
  
• Ensure timely and effective client representation through all stages of capital litigation, including trial, post-conviction, and potential appellate coordination.
  
  

Employee Performance and Development:

• Conduct regular evaluations of staff performance and provide mentorship, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  
  
• Address performance issues constructively and support ongoing training in capital defense practice.
  
  
• Recognize and reward exceptional advocacy and dedication to client-centered representation.
  
  

Hiring and Training:

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting new staff attorneys and support personnel.
  
  
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and training programs for new hires, emphasizing the unique demands of capital litigation.
  
  
• Promote continuing education and skill development in mitigation, investigation, and trial advocacy.
  
  

Policy and Practice Leadership:

• Develop and implement office policies and procedures that ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to ethical standards.
  
  
• Stay informed about developments in death penalty jurisprudence, criminal procedure, and forensic science.
  
  
• Contribute to statewide MSPD initiatives to strengthen capital defense practice and ensure compliance with national standards.
  
  

Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, or eligible for reciprocity/admission from another state.

Significant experience in serious and complex litigation; capital experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably in a legal or criminal defense setting.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to effectively delegate and manage multiple priorities in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.

Commitment to MSPD’s mission of zealous advocacy for indigent clients and to the principles of fairness and justice.

Knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and rules applicable in Missouri.

Experience 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 Kansas 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.

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov

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• State of Missouri

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