Employment Law FAQ for Missouri
Answers to common questions about employment law laws, costs, and procedures in Missouri.
What is the statute of limitations for employment law in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for employment law cases is 5 years for wage claims; 180 days for MCHR complaints. This deadline is established under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120; § 213.075. Missouri Human Rights Act covers employers with 6 or more employees. The state has its own minimum wage that is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
What courts handle employment law cases in Missouri?
Missouri's court system for employment law cases follows this hierarchy: Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction) → Courts of Appeals (three districts) → Supreme Court of Missouri. The appropriate court depends on the monetary amount in controversy and the specific nature of your employment law matter.
Does Missouri require mandatory arbitration for employment law?
No, Missouri does not require mandatory arbitration for employment law cases. Parties may voluntarily agree to arbitration, but it is not a court-imposed prerequisite before proceeding to litigation.
What are the filing fees for employment law in Missouri?
Civil filing fees in Missouri typically range from $150-$300. The exact fee depends on the type of employment law case, the court where you file, and whether additional motions are required. Contact the local clerk of court for the most current fee schedule.
What makes Missouri's employment law laws unique?
Missouri originated the "Missouri Plan" (merit-based judicial selection), which has been adopted in some form by over 30 states. The state is a pure comparative fault jurisdiction and has a non-partisan court plan for selecting judges in its largest metropolitan areas, while rural areas still use contested elections. Additionally, regarding employment law specifically: Missouri Human Rights Act covers employers with 6 or more employees. The state has its own minimum wage that is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Understanding these unique aspects of Missouri law is critical for anyone involved in a employment law matter in the state.
How many lawyers practice employment law in Missouri?
Missouri has approximately 18,000 active licensed attorneys. While not all specialize in employment law, the state's legal market provides a range of options from solo practitioners to large firms. Missouri has a mandatory (unified) bar, meaning all practicing attorneys must be members.
What are the CLE requirements in Missouri?
Missouri requires attorneys to complete 15 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) annually, including 3 hours of ethics. Missouri requires 15 CLE hours annually including 3 hours of ethics/professional responsibility. The Missouri Bar is a unified mandatory bar established by the Missouri Supreme Court. This ensures that attorneys practicing employment law in Missouri stay current with legal developments.
Where can I check a Missouri lawyer's disciplinary record?
You can verify a Missouri attorney's standing and check for any disciplinary actions through the state bar's public discipline portal at https://www.mobar.org/discipline/. It is always recommended to check an attorney's record before hiring them for your employment law matter.
How can automation help with employment law in Missouri?
AI-powered automation streamlines employment law workflows in Missouri by automating document preparation, deadline tracking, client intake, and compliance monitoring. Law firms using InstaThink's automation tools report saving 15+ hours per week on administrative tasks, allowing attorneys to focus on higher-value legal work and serve more clients effectively.
Where can I find more information about Missouri's bar association?
The Missouri Bar Association website is available at https://www.mobar.org. This is the primary resource for finding licensed attorneys, understanding your rights, accessing legal aid programs, and learning about employment law laws specific to Missouri.
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