City Jobs in Columbia, MO

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision provides legal counsel and representation to the management, staff and officials of the City; prosecutes cases on behalf of the City in Municipal Court and other courts of competent jurisdiction. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Reviews cases involving violation of City Code; drafts and signs charging documents when prosecution is warranted.
• Conducts legal research, review and draft legal documents and reports, including memorandums, pleadings, search warrants, and discovery responses.
• Interprets local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Renders sound written and oral opinions.
• Performs detail-related work pertaining to assigned duties, including but not limited to all matters related to the prosecution of municipal ordinance violations.
• Attends and represents the City in judicial proceedings related to the prosecution of municipal ordinance violations on behalf of the city, including but not limited to the examination of witnesses, cross-examination of adverse witnesses, and oral argument before the Court on motions.
• Confers with citizens and defense attorneys with respect to alleged ordinance violations and necessary corrective action.
• Confers with victims and witness in criminal cases.
• Conduct discovery, prepare witnesses and exhibits, conduct trial and post-trial appeal proceedings.
• Negotiates equitable resolutions for pending cases.
• Provides counsel and training to police officers, code enforcement officers, department heads and other appropriate city officials on issues related to municipal court prosecution.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of City ordinances.
• Displays high ethical standards and adherence to legal requirements both in the office and in personal interactions which reflect on integrity and ability to perform essential functions as an officer of the court is required.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.
• Attends conferences, seminars or other training for professional development purposes.
• Attends and participates effectively at staff meetings.
• Performs office administration tasks, such ass typing, filing, copying, etc. and other tasks as needed.
• Regular attendance and being punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including beginning and ending assignments on time, is a necessary and essential function.
• Attention to detail and accuracy are required in performance of duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Work requires assignment of tasks to others, but does not have disciplinary authority. In connection with assignment of tasks, the incumbent is required to provide instruction and training and to oversee work quality and accurate completion of tasks assigned.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

• Interactions may result in decisions regarding implementation of policies. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Position has limited fiscal responsibility.
• May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor work unit or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate degree from accredited law school required.
• Minimum one-year prior experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney or other legal experience in government setting preferred. Other relevant work experience or training may substitute for legal experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• Missouri Bar License required.
• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to scheduled court proceedings and training events.
• Qualification for access to Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position Knowledge of:

• Local, state and federal laws, procedures and rules related to the effective prosecution of violations.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles, practices and methods of legal research and sources for legal reference.

Skill in:

• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• Public speaking.
• Conducting legal research.
• Analyzing complex legal and factual situations and issues.

Ability to:

• Represent the city in a public setting by presenting logical, persuasive, legal, and factually accurate arguments both orally and in writing.
• Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Work independently to complete a project from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Exercise discretion, good judgement and consistency in decision-making.
• Manage and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks.
• Empathize with crime victims.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships.
• Maintain high ethical standards and strict confidentiality.
• Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment, including but not limited to programs such as: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Karpel, Executime, Clancy, electronic record management systems, Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES), and Missouri Case.Net.
• Focus on tasks.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job Work Environment:

• Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often
• Vehicle – Sometimes

Exposures:

• Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds – Sometimes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.
• Incumbents required to transfer between work areas and buildings generally located within a five-block radius.
• Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Incumbents required to reach and hold on to items at chest level or reach above the shoulder.
• Incumbents required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

Hours/Days M-F 8:00-5:00; some evenings may be required. Starting Salary $35.30/hr - 43.43/hr commensurate with training and experience Pay Grade 111 Number of Positions Available 1 Deadline to Apply 08/31/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Please attach resume and cover letter. Students graduating in May 2026 with a Rule 13 Certification may be considered; provided, however, Missouri Bar license must be obtained by September 30, 2026.