Chief Legal Counsel

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Montana's 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 executive team, and ensure compliance with state and federal law.

Leading the Office of Legal Affairs, a team of 18 attorneys and 10 support staff, this role shapes policy, mitigates risk, and advances Montana's public health mission while guiding a broad spectrum of legal matters for the department.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Eight years of practical legal experience, including at least three years in management.
• Bar admission in Montana or eligibility to apply within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal affairs for DPHHS and provide strategic counsel to the Director and executive leadership.
• Lead the Office of Legal Affairs to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Mitigate risk and shape departmental policy to advance the agency's mission.

Skills

Leadership

Legal research

Strategic thinking

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission (Montana)

Job description

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.
• Meet minimum qualifications:

• 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.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within 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.

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 both whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

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.