Claims Attorney

MSF; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 105,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State Fund (MSF) is seeking a Claims Attorney to represent MSF and its policyholders through litigation strategy and advisory work in Montana courts and forums.

The role blends active litigation, collaboration with claims examiners, and legal guidance on Montana workers’ compensation laws, requiring a Montana license and a commitment to delivering fair, customer-centered outcomes.

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in Montana.
• Alternative dispute resolution and litigation experience is a plus.
• Ability to interpret statutes, rules and case law for practical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Represent MSF before multiple forums including the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the Workers’ Compensation Court, and the Montana Supreme Court.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies with claims examiners; conduct discovery, witness interviews, briefs, motions, and trials.
• Advise internal stakeholders on Montana law and strategic opportunities; provide legal training.
• Assist policyholders and claimants in understanding Montana’s workers’ compensation laws.

Skills

Montana workers' compensation law

Litigation & advocacy

Interpreting statutes & case law

Collaboration across teams

Strategic thinking under pressure

Education

Bar admission in Montana

Job description

About the Job

Montana State Fund (MSF ) is seeking a Claims Attorney who will help ensure Montana’s workers’ compensation system remains responsive, fair, and aligned with the needs of employers and injured workers. In this role, you will represent the interests of MSF and its policyholders through thoughtful litigation strategy, clear legal analysis, and high-quality advocacy across multiple legal forums.

As a key legal partner within the organization, you will apply your legal training to influence claims handling approaches, shape strategic decision making , and support consistent, customer centered outcomes. This position blends litigation, collaboration, and advisory work—offering a unique opportunity to contribute both to individual case strategy and to the ongoing strategy of MSF’s legal and claims operations.

You will work closely with claims examiners and internal stakeholders to develop litigation strategies, interpret statutes and case law, and provide legal guidance that supports MSF’s mission. The successful candidate brings strong judgment, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work that aligns with Montana law and serves the people of our state.

Key responsibilities

Active litigation caseload: R epresent MSF before multiple forums, including the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the Workers’ Compensation Court, and the Montana Supreme Court.

Implementing successful litigation strategies: P artner with MSF’s claims examiners to develop and implement thoughtful litigation strategies. Those litigation strategies will vary based on context but will include conducting discovery (written as well as verbal), conducting witness interviews, drafting motions and briefs, working with retained experts, presenting oral arguments, and engaging in mediations and trials.

Advising internal stakeholders: P artner with internal stakeholders and advise them on opportunities to act strategically and consistently with Montana law. Duties will include interpreting statutes, administrative rules and court decisions on a daily basis . P rovide strategic legal advice to internal clients, which will include developing and providing legal training on Montana’s workers’ compensation system. A ssist policyholders and claimants with develop ing a better understanding Montana’s workers’ compensation laws .

Required Skills

About You:

To find success and satisfaction in this role, candidates will possess the following traits:

• A legal professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is energized by shaping strong, strategic outcomes within Montana’s workers’ compensation system.
• Skilled at interpreting complex statutes, rules, and case law, and translating them into clear, practical guidance.
• A thoughtful litigator who balances strategic thinking with in-the-moment judgment, demonstrating confidence in oral advocacy and an ability to navigate multiple forums with professionalism and clarity.
• Naturally collaborative, with an instinct for partnering across teams to build litigation strategies, strengthen organizational consistency, and support high-quality claims handling.
• Someone who approaches challenges with curiosity, maintains composure under pressure, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset to both litigation and everyday advisory work.
• A relationship builder who values customer experience, maintains positive and empathetic interactions, and fosters trust with internal and external stakeholders.

At Montana State Fund, how we do our jobs matters to us as much as what we do. To support our customer-centered workplace, successful candidates are team players who possess :

• Customer and growth mindset
• Empathy
• Accountability
• Resiliency

Required Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• A license to practice law in the State of Montana , and
• A strong interest in learning more about Montana’s workers’ compensation laws.

The knowledge of Montana’s workers’ compensation law needed for this position can be learned if the successful candidate has a strong work ethic.

Preferred:

• Relevant designations and certifications .

About Montana State Fund

Montana State Fund is more than just an insurance company. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to making a positive impact. Our mission is to partner with employers and their employees to care for those injured on the job and champion a culture of workplace safety for our fellow Montanans. Six values guide us in our day-to-day work:

• Do what’s right
• Deliver with heart
• Focus on what matters
• Succeed together
• Find a better way
• Take the long view

Job location

T his role is primarily based onsite at our Helena , MT office, with opportunities for occasional remote work to support flexibility and work-life balance

Working conditions

Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards. Regular travel is not expected but may occur occasionally around organizational specific events or during the course of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for this exempt position begins at $105,200 - $131,400per year.

Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:

• Excellent health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.
• Public employees’ retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match.
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings.
• Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.
• Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.