Attorney - Capital Post-Conviction Relief

The Capital Post-Conviction Relief Attorney plays a critical role in protecting the constitutional rights of clients and ensuring that their convictions and sentences receive thorough and meaningful review. Working as part of a team with another attorney, the Capital Post-Conviction Relief Attorney’s primary responsibilities include the investigation and preparation of amended post-conviction motions and evidentiary hearings in circuit courts throughout Missouri under Missouri Supreme Court Rules 24.035, 29.15, and 29.16 as they pertain to death penalty post-conviction litigation. The position involves intensive investigation of complex cases and requires extensive travel both within and outside Missouri, including regular travel to Potosi Correctional Center to meet with clients. The position also involves frequent contact and collaboration with expert witnesses, including mental health experts, as well as extensive investigation and analysis of sensitive client and family information. The attorney will work to develop comprehensive post-conviction claims and mitigation evidence while advocating for clients throughout the litigation process. This position receives a $1,000 per month death penalty differential in addition to the applicable salary. Post-Conviction Litigation Investigate and prepare amended post-conviction motions under Missouri Supreme Court Rules 24.035, 29.15, and 29.16 as applicable to death penalty post-conviction litigation. Represent clients in evidentiary hearings and other post-conviction proceedings in circuit courts throughout Missouri. Prepare detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law for submission to circuit courts. Conduct extensive factual and legal investigation to identify and develop post-conviction claims. Prepare appellate briefs following circuit court rulings on post-conviction motions for consideration by the Missouri Supreme Court. Prepare potential petitions for certiorari and other appropriate appellate pleadings. Assist with federal habeas corpus matters when appropriate, including assisting clients with preparation of federal habeas corpus petitions when directed, without serving as counsel of record in those proceedings. Investigation and Mitigation Conduct intensive investigations into the client's background, circumstances, and claims requiring extensive travel within and outside Missouri. Meet regularly with clients, including travel to Potosi Correctional Center. Obtain, investigate, analyze, and organize educational, mental and physical health, criminal and juvenile, and other records concerning clients and their family members. Obtain and investigate sensitive and personal information from lay witnesses. Develop mitigation evidence and investigate circumstances relevant to the client's life, background, and post-conviction claims. Conduct interviews with family members, lay witnesses, and other individuals with relevant information. Assist in the preparation and presentation of mitigation cases. Expert Witnesses Identify, retain, and work closely with expert witnesses as appropriate to the litigation. Prepare for and coordinate the work of expert witnesses, including mental health professionals. Review, analyze, and organize expert evaluations, reports, and supporting records. Collaborate with experts to develop evidence and testimony in support of post-conviction claims and mitigation. Client Representation and Case Management Maintain regular and effective communication with clients regarding the status and development of their cases. Provide legal advice and guidance concerning post-conviction proceedings and available legal remedies. Manage complex post-conviction caseloads while meeting court deadlines and procedural requirements. Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records and documentation. Collaborate closely with co-counsel, investigators, mitigation professionals, experts, and other legal professionals to develop effective case strategies. Professional Development and MSPD Mission Stay current on developments in Missouri criminal, post-conviction, appellate, and death penalty law. Participate in continuing legal education, training, and professional development opportunities. Contribute to the overall mission of MSPD by providing zealous, high-quality representation to indigent clients. Perform other related duties as assigned. Licensed to practice law in Missouri, or eligible to transfer a bar license from another state. At least three years of substantial experience in criminal law litigation. Experience in post-conviction litigation, felony appellate litigation, or felony jury trial work. Experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively with expert witnesses, including mental health professionals. Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills. Ability to investigate and obtain sensitive and personal information from clients, family members, and lay witnesses. Ability to obtain, investigate, analyze, and organize extensive educational, mental and physical health, criminal and juvenile, and other records. Background or experience in the investigation and presentation of mitigation evidence is preferred. Knowledge of Missouri criminal law, criminal procedure, post-conviction practice, and applicable appellate rules. Ability to manage complex cases, meet demanding deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Ability and willingness to travel extensively, both within and outside Missouri, as required by the needs of the cases. Commitment to providing zealous advocacy for indigent clients and protecting the constitutional rights of individuals facing the most serious criminal penalties. Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and complex legal matters with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment. This is a full-time position that can be based in Columbia, Kansas City or St. Louis. 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 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 . The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation. View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Missouri