What are the responsibilities and job description for the Case Contracting Assistant position at State of Missouri?
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford an attorney. With offices across Missouri and a team of attorneys and support professionals, MSPD works to ensure that every client receives zealous and effective representation.
The Case Contracting Department plays a critical role in helping MSPD fulfill this mission. When conflicts or caseload limitations prevent MSPD staff attorneys from taking a case, the department assigns those cases to qualified private attorneys throughout the state. The team works closely with contract counsel, district offices, and courts to coordinate case assignments, manage panel attorney resources, and support attorneys as they represent their clients.
The Case Contracting Assistant is a highly responsible administrative support position within this department. This role helps maintain essential case and panel attorney records, process applications and invoices, coordinate communications, and support the efficient operation of the Case Contracting Division. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform technical clerical work in a high-volume environment with minimal supervision.
One of the following:
Earned credit hours from an accredited college, university, business, or vocational school may substitute for the required experience on a month-for-month basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Specific physical requirements for this position may vary and will be determined by the hiring authority.
Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. 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 here.
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov
The Case Contracting Department plays a critical role in helping MSPD fulfill this mission. When conflicts or caseload limitations prevent MSPD staff attorneys from taking a case, the department assigns those cases to qualified private attorneys throughout the state. The team works closely with contract counsel, district offices, and courts to coordinate case assignments, manage panel attorney resources, and support attorneys as they represent their clients.
The Case Contracting Assistant is a highly responsible administrative support position within this department. This role helps maintain essential case and panel attorney records, process applications and invoices, coordinate communications, and support the efficient operation of the Case Contracting Division. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform technical clerical work in a high-volume environment with minimal supervision.
- Update the Case Information database using disposition forms, Case.net, and other case-related resources.
- Process case-related expenses for approval and obtain documentation related to expert retention.
- Maintain and update the Panel Attorney database.
- Process Panel Attorney applications and related documentation.
- Process Panel Attorney travel invoices.
- Coordinate and facilitate collect phone calls for Panel Attorneys when needed.
- Communicate with MSPD offices regarding additional case requests and other case-related information as directed.
- Track and assist with recoupment of unearned fees and other attorney fee-related matters.
- Communicate MSPD policies and procedures to Panel Attorneys and vendors when necessary.
- Update the MSPD website with current information as directed.
- Assist with special projects and administrative initiatives within the division.
- Perform additional clerical and administrative duties as assigned.
One of the following:
- Two or more years of experience as a Case Contracting Assistant with the Missouri State Public Defender System and a high school diploma or equivalent; OR
- Three years of professional administrative or office management experience, preferably in a legal environment, demonstrated by supervision of staff or highly responsible administrative duties.
Earned credit hours from an accredited college, university, business, or vocational school may substitute for the required experience on a month-for-month basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a legal or criminal justice environment.
- Familiarity with Missouri court systems, including the ability to read docket sheets and navigate Case.net.
- Experience maintaining databases, processing invoices, or coordinating administrative workflows in a high-volume office setting.
- Knowledge of the criminal legal system and legal terminology.
- Ability to review docket sheets and locate case-related information using Case.net.
- Knowledge of office practices, procedures, and business communications.
- Proficiency with computer systems, databases, spreadsheets, and office software.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with MSPD staff, panel attorneys, and vendors.
- Ability to maintain moderately complex electronic records and prepare reports.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to review documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently within established policies and procedures.
Specific physical requirements for this position may vary and will be determined by the hiring authority.
Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. 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 here.
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.
Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov