Missouri State Public Defender system to host career fair

The Missouri State Public Defender system (MSPD) will be hosting a career fair on June 10 at their office in Columbia for openings throughout the state. Register for the event before June 4 by clicking here.  Registered participants will have the opportunity learn more about MSPD and interview for current job openings. 

MSPD is the organization responsible for providing legal representation to all indigent citizens accused or convicted of crimes in Missouri. Passed in early May, the General Assembly’s operating budget for fiscal year 2022 included an additional $3.62 million for public defenders, including authorization for 53 new lawyers. 

“These additional 53 attorneys will provide Missouri's indigent accused access to the constitutionally mandated representation to which they are entitled,” said Mary Fox, State Public Defender Director. 

In addition, MSPD hopes to decrease individual caseloads and reduce or eliminate waiting lists for representation in those circuits where such lists are currently in place.  

Currently, MSPD has 33 district offices, six appellate sections, and three capital sections. The system handles nearly 90,000 cases a year to ensure justice is served for all Missourians who are charged with crimes but who lack the resources to hire a private lawyer. 

The FY22 state budget now goes to the governor’s desk for his consideration. The governor must act on the budget bills prior to July 1, 2021, signing the bills into law and possibly vetoing specific line items. The FY22 state operating budget takes effect July 1, 2021, and runs through June 30, 2022.