Attorney

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking an Attorney to represent MDT in transportation law matters. This role handles trials and hearings in state and federal courts and advises the Director, administrators, and program managers on legal issues.

The Attorney reports to the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and does not supervise staff. A formal career ladder with opportunities for advancement is provided, with a potential for hybrid remote work arrangements and comprehensive state

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• 3 years of experience in practicing law (legal internships and clerkships may be considered).
• License to practice law in the State of Montana; admission to practice in Montana Courts and U.S. District Court.

Responsibilities

• Represent MDT in transportation law at trials and hearings in state and federal courts and before administrative forums.
• Provide general counsel advice and guidance to the Director, administrators, and program managers.
• This position reports to MDT’s Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and does not supervise others; exists on a career ladder with advancement opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation & mediation

Professional communication

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for an Attorney. This position represents MDT in areas of transportation law. Represents MDT at trials and hearings in state and federal district and appellate courts and before administrative forums. Responsible for providing general counsel advice and guidance to the Director, administrators and program managers. This position reports to MDT’s Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and does not supervise others. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• 3 years of experience in practicing law (legal internships and clerkships may be considered).
• License to practice law in the State of Montana; admission to practice in Montana Courts and U.S. District Court.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Montana and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Rules of Appellate Procedure.
• Knowledge of concepts, theories and principles related to transportation law including eminent domain, contract claims, employment law, environmental law, and administrative law.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate conflicts using professional communication.

Other Information

The successful candidate must pass a name-based background investigation as a condition of employment.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.