Associate Attorney

Catlin Law, PLLC; Billings (MT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Catlin Law, PLLC in Billings, MT is seeking a full-time Associate Attorney for a hybrid role, handling criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and civil litigation. You will meet with clients, perform legal research, draft pleadings, motions, and contracts, and prepare for hearings.

You will collaborate closely with the principal attorney to develop case strategies while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with Montana license or eligibility for prompt admission.
• Experience in criminal defense, family law, estate planning, or civil litigation preferred.
• Ability to conduct thorough legal research and draft pleadings.
• Strong written and oral communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to deadlines in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to provide legal advice and update on cases.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, motions, and contracts.
• Prepare for hearings and assist with trial preparation.
• Manage case files and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with the principal attorney to develop case strategy.

Skills

Legal research

Client communication

Negotiation

Organization

Attention to detail

Hybrid work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Legal research tools

Office software

Case management systems

Job description

Company Description

Catlin Law, PLLC is a multi-practice law firm focusing on criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and general civil litigation. The firm is committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances. Attention to detail and clear communication are central to how the firm navigates complex legal matters. Applicants can expect a small, client-focused environment that values professionalism, integrity, and practical problem-solving.

Role Description

This full-time Associate Attorney role is a hybrid position based in Billings, MT, with the flexibility to perform some work from home. The Associate Attorney will handle cases across practice areas such as criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and civil litigation, including conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, contracts, and other documents. Daily responsibilities include meeting with clients, providing legal advice, negotiating with opposing counsel, preparing for and attending hearings, and assisting with trial preparation. The role also involves managing case files, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating closely with the principal attorney to develop case strategies. The Associate Attorney is expected to uphold high ethical standards, deliver responsive client service, and contribute to the firm’s professional reputation.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law, including experience or coursework in Labor and Employment Law, with the ability to analyze statutes, case law, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound Legal Advice, supported by thorough Research and clear written and oral communication.
• Effective Negotiation skills for settlement discussions, plea negotiations, and resolving disputes in family and civil matters.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license (or eligibility for prompt admission) to practice law in Montana.
• Experience or interest in criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and civil litigation; prior clerkship or law firm experience is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a hybrid work environment.
• Commitment to ethical practice, client confidentiality, and professional demeanor in court and with clients.
• Proficiency with legal research tools and basic office technology; ability to learn firm case management systems.