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School of Law, University of Missouri-Kansas City
UMKC School of Law has an exciting opportunity to join our Tenant Assistance Initiative as a Truman Fellow.
The Truman Fellowship Program (named for Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, who attended Kansas City School of Law and served for a time as the presiding judge in Jackson County, Missouri), provides newly licensed and experienced attorneys with an opportunity for training and public service. The Tenant Assistance Initiative provides legal counsel to tenants facing eviction in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Tenants are referred to UMKC by the Right to Counsel program for Kansas City, Missouri, by United Way, and through other outreach efforts. Fellows 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 the legal services providers under contract to provide tenant representation for the Kansas City program. However, attorneys have to make regular (typically at least once per week) appearances in court for hearings, conferences, and trials.
Flexible work arrangements (including telework) are available. The Fellowship program supports the option of remote work and in-person/on-site work.
Position is temporary, full time, exempt, and non benefit eligible.
In general, length of appointment is expected to be three - eight months. Truman Fellowships can vary based on the candidate's availability and preference, the initiative's needs, and funding availability. Opportunity for an extension will be contingent upon needs, funding availability, and the Fellow's successful job performance.
Successful candidate will have passed the bar exam. Prior experience with the clinics, externships, law and technology, strong lawyering skills, and a commitment to public service is a plus, but are not essential.
Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity. Compensation is competitive with other public-interest positions.
Candidates should apply through the UMKC Human Resources website: .
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). Please describe your status regarding bar admission in the cover letter. Those who have taken the bar exam but do not yet have the results are eligible to apply.
If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, 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.
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, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America.