Child Protection Attorney

Taleo Social Sourcing; Montana; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation, sick and holidays

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Montana Department of Justice – State's Attorney's Office is seeking a Child Protection Attorney to handle all phases of civil cases involving child abuse and neglect in district courts. You will assess facts, conduct legal research and writing, and present testimony and arguments.

Training will be provided to county attorneys, DHHS staff, and other stakeholders. The role requires a JD, Montana bar admission, and at least two years of specialized practice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree is required.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• If licensed in another state, must become licensed in Montana within a reasonable time; individuals with 5 years of practice in another state may be admitted on motion.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance with child abuse and neglect matters to county attorneys’ offices across the state.
• Independently handle all phases of simple and complex civil cases in district courts.
• Conduct factual assessments, legal research and writing, prepare documents, and present testimony and argument.
• Provide training to county attorneys, DHHS staff, CFS, and other DN stakeholders.
• Work with a team of attorneys and support staff on cases, projects, and training.

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Bar admission in Montana

Job description

Division Overview:

The State’s Attorney’s Office in the Montana Department of Justice is dedicated to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law on behalf of the people of Montana. The office includes the Solicitor General’s Office, Criminal Prosecution, Appellate Services, Civil Services, and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana’s laws, constitutional challenges, determining legal sufficiency of ballot initiatives, prosecution of criminals, handling all phases of litigation from district court proceedings through appeal, and complex litigation of antitrust matters.

Job Overview:

The Child Protection Attorney provides assistance with child abuse and neglect matters to county attorneys’ offices across the state. The position is responsible for independently handling all phases of simple and complex civil cases regarding child abuse and neglect in district courts. This requires factual assessment of the case, legal research, and writing, preparation of legal documents, and oral presentation of testimony and argument. The position also offers training to county attorneys, employees of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services (CFS), and other DN case stakeholders. The position will work with a team of attorneys and support staff on cases, projects, and training.

This position is open until filled. First review of candidates will be on 11/10/2026.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within a reasonable time. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Bar Admission Rules
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with case prosecution, and/or representing the State, parents, and/or child in Dependency and Neglect cases is preferred.

Special Instructions:

You are required to attach a résumé, cover letter and a legal writing sample of 5,000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last five years at the time of application.

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant’s qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé and cover letter, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Driving History

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.