Contract Opportunities

02-260417-01: Contract Attorney

Missouri Department of Social Services/Division of Legal Services

Jefferson City, Missouri

The Missouri Department of Social Services is seeking a contract attorney to complete a legal review of documents potentially responsive to a pending open records (Sunshine) request. 


Job Number: 02-260417-01: Contract Attorney 


Company Name:  Missouri Department of Social Services/Division of Legal Services


This position will complete a legal review of documents potentially responsive to a pending open records (Sunshine) request. The responsive records may exceed 20,000 pages. The ideal candidate would dedicate at least 10-20 hours per week to the project until the legal review is complete (including review of revisions). Contracted services are paid at $100 per hour. While travel is not anticipated for this project, the Department does reimburse for mileage if it becomes necessary. Attorneys with active contracts with DSS are invited – but not required – to attend CLE trainings provided by the Department at no additional cost (travel expenses not reimbursable). All contract attorneys must register as a vendor and comply with any associated requirements with the State of Missouri.

Minimum Qualifications:
· Licensed to practice law in Missouri (will consider well-qualified
3L law students, supervision provided by DSS)
· Excellent attention to detail
· Ability to manage deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:
· Previous experience with Missouri’s Sunshine Law
· Previous government attorney experience

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Joshua Phillips, Chief, Privacy and Records Management, at 314-256-7051 or joshua.phillips@dss.mo.gov. 


Interested Parties/How to Apply:     

Interested candidates should send their resume and a brief cover letter describing their interest in the position to Joyce Luebbering at joyce.luebbering@dss.mo.gov and include “DSS Sunshine Contract Opportunity” in the subject line.
Posted: April 17, 2026
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02-260408-02: Guardian ad Litem

16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri - Family Court Division

Kansas City, Missouri

The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri – Family Court Division is seeking qualified Guardian ad Litems to accept individual case assignment to represent juveniles in cases filed by the Juvenile Officer, pursuant to state statutes.

The Guardian ad Litems will serve as an independent contractor and will be able to maintain their current law practices. 



Job Number: 02-260408-02: Guardian ad Litem 


Company Name:  16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri - Family Court Division


The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri – Family Court Division is seeking qualified Guardian ad Litems (GAL) to accept individual case assignment to represent juveniles in cases filed by the Juvenile Officer, pursuant to state statutes. The GALs will serve as an independent contractor and will be able to maintain their current law practices.


Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid license to practice law by the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri, with membership in good standing in the Missouri Bar, and provide proof of such.
Must have or be able to acquire 8 hours of continuing legal education devoted to guardian ad litem training, and annually acquire 3 hours of continuing legal education devoted to guardian ad litem training. Must be able to provide proof of the above.
Must submit to and pass criminal background checks as prescribed by the Court.
Must submit to and pass sex offender registry, and Missouri/Kansas child abuse & neglect checks.
 

Interested Parties/How to Apply:     

 
Interested candidates should submit their resume by email to myriam.ortega@courts.mo.gov
Posted: April 8, 2026
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02-260408-01: Initial Protective Custody Parent Representation Attorney

16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri - Family Court Division

Kansas City, Missouri

The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri – Family Court Division is seeking a licensed Attorney to appear on behalf of unrepresented and indigent parents at the initial Protective Custody hearing dockets.

Protective Custody Parent Representation attorneys serve as independent contractors and are able to maintain their current law practices. 



Job Number: 02-260408-01: Initial Protective Custody Parent Representation Attorney


Company Name:  16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri - Family Court Division


The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri – Family Court Division is seeking a licensed Attorney to appear on behalf of unrepresented and indigent parents at the initial Protective Custody (PC) hearing dockets. PC Parent Representation attorneys serve as independent contractors and are able to maintain their current law practices.


Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid license to practice law by the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri, with membership in good standing in the Missouri Bar, and provide proof of such.
Must submit to and pass criminal background checks as prescribed by the Court.
Must submit to and pass sex offender registry, and Missouri/Kansas child abuse & neglect checks.
 
 

Interested Parties/How to Apply:     

 
Interested candidates should submit their resume by email to myriam.ortega@courts.mo.gov
Posted: April 8, 2026
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02-260324-01: Panel Attorney

Missouri State Public Defender

Statewide within Missouri

Are you a private attorney interested in representing indigent clients in Missouri on a contract basis?

Attorneys interested in receiving contract case assignments from The Missouri State Public Defender may apply to be Panel Attorneys in one or more judicial circuits of the state.
If qualified and accepted as a Panel Attorney, the attorney will be asked to enter into a Panel Attorney Contract with The Missouri State Public Defender setting out the expectations under which cases are assigned.

Importantly, counsel shall provide representation in all contracted cases through final disposition. If counsel is unable to complete representation, The Missouri State Public Defender will require counsel to find substitute counsel, accept future reduced-fee assignments to recoup the contract fee in the case, or return the full retainer to the State of Missouri; the applicable remedy may be chosen by The Missouri State Public Defender.



Job Number:  02-260324-01: Panel Attorney


Company Name:  Missouri State Public Defender



The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) utilizes Panel Attorneys who accept individual case assignments on a contract basis as Contract Public Defenders.

MSPD panel attorneys serve as independent contractors and are able to maintain their current law practices. Panel attorneys select the judicial circuits in which they accept cases as well as the types of cases they accept. Contract rates are paid per case and vary depending on the case type. MSPD pays mileage, additional compensation for days spent in trial, and covers necessary litigation expenses when requested and pre-approved. Panel attorneys obtain important courtroom and trial experience and can attend some MSPD training events.

Public Defenders serve a critical mission - to ensure that indigent members of the local community are afforded their right to zealous legal representation regardless of their ability to pay.

Join the team of private attorneys who uphold the Sixth Amendment right to counsel in your area of the State.

Apply to become a Contract Public Defender.



Interested Parties/How to Apply:     

Attorneys wishing to be eligible to receive contract cases from MSPD must submit a Panel Attorney Application.

Panel Attorney Applications can be obtained via the MSPD website at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/private-counsel-opportunities/mspd-contracting/ or by emailing case.contracting@mspd.mo.gov.

Send completed applications by mail, fax, or email to:

Missouri State Public Defender
Attn: Case Contracting
Woodrail Centre
1000 W. Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100
Columbia, Missouri  65203

Fax: 573-777-9976

Email: case.contracting@mspd.mo.gov
Posted: March 23, 2026
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