Staff Attorney- Consumer Law

Description

Staff Attorney

Consumer Law Program- Tornado Recovery

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) is a non-profit law firm providing free, high-quality civil legal services to people living with low-income/low opportunity. LSEM is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney in its Consumer Law Program to serve the needs of St. Louis City residents with legal needs caused by the tornado disaster of May 16, 2025. This role includes litigation and other legal work, extensive community outreach, and other advocacy to promote access to justice and improve outcomes for tornado survivors.

The Staff Attorney’s work

-Will be focused on identifying and solving the legal problems of tornado survivors. This may include assisting clients with obtaining benefits, preventing homelessness and/or eviction, and seeking compensation for tornado survivors.

-Will primarily involve low-income St. Louis City households and individuals who were impacted by the May 16th 2025 tornado in the City of St. Louis.

-May include any or all of the following:

• Legal counseling, full or partial representation to tenants with landlord-tenant issues, including evictions and lease disputes;
• Legal assistance or education for homeowners to avoid and combat construction repair scams and other unfair and deceptive actions by construction contractors;
• Providing other legal information, advice or representation for civil legal problems faced by eligible tornado recovery clients;
• Outreach and education to determine the legal needs of disaster survivors and to inform disaster survivors about their legal rights and available resources;
• Coordination with local government agencies, housing providers, disaster recovery organizations, and disaster case managers to ensure comprehensive support.

Responsibilities

- Litigate assigned cases, including drafting pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and trials, and administrative hearings in substantive areas of civil law, particularly consumer and housing law.

- Conduct community outreach and presentations.

- Work collaboratively with other internal Legal Services programs and external community partners serving tornado survivors.

- Draft grant reports about tornado grant activities and monitor spend down of the grant, along with Finance and Development, as needed.

Requirements

- JD in good standing and admitted to practice in Missouri or eligible for admission to the Missouri Bar

- Prefer 2 years of experience as a practicing attorney, but new graduates may apply

- Experience with disaster recovery work is a plus but not required

- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law or to legal services for people living with low-income is preferred

- Strong litigation and advocacy skills or willingness to learn these skills

- Ability to relate well and work with clients living with low-income and collaborate with community stakeholders

- Strong communication and organizational skills, self-directed and efficient

- Computer literate, with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, and familiarity with legal case management software preferred

- Team oriented and highly flexible to meet the needs of clients

- Creative and innovative ways to fulfill the legal aid mission and support the legal needs of disaster victims

What we do
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions and has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Who we are

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.

How to Apply

Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits Information

The annual salary range for this position is $66,000-$99,000. The specific salary offered within the range will be determined by years of relevant experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending accounts. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is also available, after a short training period.

Submission Deadline

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail HR@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.