Civil Attorney

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Montana, Department of Justice, is seeking a Civil Attorney to represent the State in complex civil litigation. The role involves advising agencies, drafting opinions, and handling all phases of civil actions in state and federal courts.

The incumbent will provide legal counsel to divisions within the Department of Justice and oversee litigation strategy and appellate work as needed. Strong qualifications in Montana licensure and civil practice are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• At least two years of civil litigation or judicial clerkship experience.
• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.
• Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State in civil litigation where the State has an interest, typically in cases challenging the constitutionality of State laws, or natural resource issues involving land, water, environmental (ESA, NEPA/MEPA), and Indian law.
• Advise other agencies on constitutional issues and litigation strategy.
• Draft legal opinions for the Attorney General and review administrative rules before publication.
• Independently handle all phases of complex civil litigation in state and federal district court and on appeal.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Judicial clerkship experience

Montana bar admission within 1 year

Experience in federal and state courts

Case-by-case qualification flexibility

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree.

• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.

• At least two years of civil litigation or judicial clerkship experience.

• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.

• Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.

• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Special Instructions

If you have been practicing law for five years or less, please provide a copy of your law school transcript.

You are REQUIRED to attach a cover letter, résumé and alegalwriting sample of 3000wordsor less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last three 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 Check

• Driving History

Division Mission

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 and Appellate Services, Civil Services and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana’s laws as passed by the Legislature, 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 Civil Attorney represents the State in civil litigation where the State has an interest, typically in cases challenging the constitutionality of State laws, or natural resource issues involving land, water, environmental (ESA, NEPA/MEPA), and Indian law. The bureau also advises other agencies on constitutional issues and litigation strategy.

The incumbent provides legal counsel to the divisions within the Department of Justice, drafts legal opinions for the review and signature of the Attorney General, and reviews administrative rules before publication. The Assistant Attorney General is responsible for independently handling all phases of complex civil litigation in state and federal district court and on appeal.

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.

Benefits

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.

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.