University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law - Tenant Assistance Initiative

UMKC School of Law has an exciting opportunity to join our Tenant Assistance Initiative as a Truman Attorney.

The Tenant Assistance Initiative has been providing legal counsel to tenants facing eviction in the Kansas City metropolitan area since October 2021. Tenants are referred to UMKC by the Right to Counsel program for Kansas City, Missouri. Staff attorneys represent tenants with supervision and training from the UMKC initiative.

The city of Kansas City, Missouri, passed the Right to Counsel ordinance in 2021, which became effective June 1, 2022. The UMKC Tenant Assistance Initiative is one of three legal services providers under contract to provide tenant representation for the Kansas City program.

Flexible work arrangements (including telework) are available. The program supports the option of remote work and in-person/on-site work. However, attorneys have to make regular (typically at least once per week) appearances in court for hearings, conferences, and trials.

• Active membership and good standing with the Missouri Bar.
• At least one year of litigation experience.
• Other useful qualifications include prior experience in public interest work, prior experience with landlord/tenant or real property issues, evidence of a commitment to public service, and language skills (Spanish in particular).

Position is full time, benefit eligible and a 12-month appointment.

Salary is commensurate of education and experience. Compensation is competitive with other public-interest positions and include a generous benefits package through UMKC.

Candidates should apply through the UMKC Human Resources website: https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/.

In addition to completing the standard UMKC employment application, please upload a cover letter, resume, and three references (which may be included in the cover letter or the resume).

Applications can be submitted at any time; review is ongoing on a rolling basis.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Associate Dean Jeffrey Thomas, thomasje@umkc.edu, 816-235-2378.

If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

Open until all positions are filled.

The mission of UMKC School of Law is to provide student-centered, community-connected, justice-driven legal education and research.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.