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