Missouri State Public Defender

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Claire Carlson, one of the outstanding graduating 3Ls highlighted by Mizzou Law for her work with the Criminal Practice Clinic.

We appreciated the opportunity to work with Claire during her placement with MSPD’s Fulton office and are grateful for the contributions she made while supporting our clients and team.

In celebration of our graduating 3Ls, this week we are highlighting three amazing members of our nascent Criminal Practice Clinic who did great work for their assigned offices. Today is Claire Carlson!

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Camryn Schear, one of the outstanding graduating 3Ls highlighted by Mizzou Law for her work with the Criminal Practice Clinic.

We are excited that Camryn has accepted an Early Hire offer and look forward to welcoming her to Missouri State Public Defender after graduation.

In celebration of our graduating 3Ls, this week we are highlighting three amazing members of our nascent Criminal Practice Clinic who did great work for their assigned offices. Today is Camryn Schear!

05/15/2026

A recent investigation by 9 News highlights the tragic death of Timothy Beckmann, who spent months waiting for competency restoration services after being found incompetent to stand trial. The article includes commentary from Annie Legomsky, Director of Client Advocacy for Missouri State Public Defender, on the urgent need for meaningful mental health and criminal legal system reform.

His story underscores the critical need for investment in mental health resources, timely competency restoration services, and solutions that move individuals out of jails and into appropriate treatment settings.
At MSPD, we continue advocating for approaches that recognize severe mental illness as a public health issue, not simply a criminal legal issue.
Read the full article here: https://www.kmbc.com/article/jackson-county-jail-death-timothy-beckmann-mental-health-waitlist-investigation/71297926

A KMBC 9 investigation found Timothy Beckmann spent more than five hours unresponsive inside the Jackson County Detention Center before CPR was attempted. His death highlights Missouri’s growing mental health treatment waitlist for defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

May 4-8 is Well-Being Week in Law, a national movement intended to raise awareness about mental health and encourage well-being in our profession, our legal offices, and our courtrooms.

04/30/2026

April is Second Chance Month ♻️

At Missouri State Public Defender, we believe April is about second chances and that meaningful opportunities can change lives, strengthen communities, and reduce barriers for those impacted by the justice system.

Through Missouri’s participation in the Reentry 2030 initiative, we are working alongside partners to break cycles of incarceration and support successful reentry. Our Holistic Defense Services team connects clients to essential resources such as housing, healthcare, employment, identification, and transportation because justice extends beyond the courtroom. ⚖️

Second chances are more than an idea. They represent a commitment to fairness, dignity, and opportunity.

04/29/2026

We’re hiring! 📣
Missouri State Public Defender is expanding and looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team as Mitigation Specialists.

With 20 new positions available across the state, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of clients and communities. 💼⚖️

Candidates with a background in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field are encouraged to apply (MSW preferred). Relevant experience may also be considered.

💰 Starting pay: $50,256
📅 Start dates begin after July 1, 2026 (contingent on funding)

If you’re driven by purpose and ready to support holistic defense, we want to hear from you. 🤝

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply
📧 Questions? Contact Gwen Wotawa at [email protected]

04/27/2026

Every person deserves to be seen and heard in the justice system ⚖️

At Missouri State Public Defender, we advocate for those who cannot afford representation and work to ensure fairness, dignity, and due process for all.

We’re excited to introduce a new Communications Strategist role 📣 This position will help shape how the public understands our mission, elevate client-centered stories, and bring greater visibility to the impact of public defense across Missouri.

If you’re driven to use storytelling and strategy to make a difference, this is your opportunity to help change the narrative.

📍 Columbia or St. Louis
🔗 Apply here: https://mocareers.mo.gov/hiretrue/ce3/job-board/5effe9b2-4b89-494b-ac76-c45e25190768/8ca44465-8849-4c25-ad31-3fb58e81a49a?jb=1

Take a look at this role and apply today!

04/22/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to join AmeriCorps in celebrating the people who choose service as their superpower. Every day, community volunteers strengthen our neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and spark lasting change. Thank you for showing up, leading with purpose, and making a meaningful difference.

04/20/2026

👏 Thank you to the Cook County Public Defender and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association for hosting the “Defense Reimagined” summit!
Members of the Missouri State Public Defender team had a great experience connecting with public defense leaders from across the country 🌎. They left especially inspired by Cook County’s Freedom Defense Centers and their approach to a cashless bail system, powerful examples of innovation and community-centered advocacy.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to Missouri 💡⚖️