Chief Legal Counsel

Munro Footwear Group; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 134,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave

Holidays

PSLF Eligibility

Job summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services seeks a visionary Chief Legal Officer to oversee all legal affairs, provide strategic counsel to the Director, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The Chief Legal Officer leads the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and directs a team of 18 attorneys and 10 administrative staff.

As a member of the DPHHS Executive Team, you will shape policy, mitigate risk, and advance the agency's mission to protect Montanans.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Eight years of practice in law, including at least three years in management.
• Admission to Montana bar, or admission within one year of hire.
• Strong knowledge of Montana state law, federal law, and constitutional law.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal affairs for DPHHS and provide strategic counsel to the Director.
• Lead the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and manage a team of attorneys and staff.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Shape departmental policy and mitigate legal risk.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to advance the agency's mission.

Skills

Legal analysis

Leadership skills

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Decision making

Planning & execution

Legal research

Public sector law

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Job Description - Chief Legal Counsel (26142356)

Position Title:

Chief Legal Counsel - ( 26142356 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov .

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Office of Legal Affairs, division of Director’s Office.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the state’s largest executive branch agency, seeks a highly accomplished and visionary legal executive to serve as its Chief Legal Officer. This critical executive leadership role oversees all legal affairs for DPHHS, provides strategic legal counsel to the Director and executive leadership, and ensures the department’s compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

The Chief Legal Officer leads the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), a robust team of 18 attorneys and 10 administrative support professionals. This position requires exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of public health and human services law, and the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes while driving positive outcomes for Montana’s citizens. As a key member of the DPHHS Executive Team, the Chief Legal Officer will play an integral role in shaping departmental policy, mitigating risk, and advancing the agency's mission.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Ability to analyze difficult legal issues, conduct appropriate research, and recommend or implement effective solutions;
• Skilled in leadership, negotiating, dispute resolution, decision-making, planning, goal setting, plan execution, continuous process improvement, and monitoring progress toward goals
• Knowledge of Montana federal and constitutional law, legal research methods, civil and administrative procedures, both state and federal.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Eight years of practical experience in law preferably with three years of significant management experience.
• Admission to practice law in Montana, or admission within one year from the date of hire.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial teleworkwithin the state of Montana.Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary

$149,032.00 - 149,032.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Sep 17, 2026, 5:27:29 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume, References

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.