Lawyer 2 (05020, 05242)

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks an experienced attorney to join the Office of Legal Affairs. You will provide critical legal support to programs serving Montanans, focusing on healthcare and Medicaid law, and advise on regulatory and administrative matters.

The role emphasizes service and mission-driven work within a close-knit team, with opportunities to impact public health and safety while advancing antidiscrimination and equal opportunity goals.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum five years of legal experience.
• Active admission to practice law in Montana or eligibility to obtain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services and strategic counsel to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
• Advise on healthcare, Medicaid, and administrative law matters for agency programs.
• Support regulatory practices and represent the agency in hearings and proceedings.

Skills

MAPA knowledge

government advising

litigation experience

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

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.

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.

If you are an experienced attorney who wants your work to matter – the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) offers a career of genuine consequence. DPHHS is Montana’s largest state agency, serving hundreds of thousands of Montanans in behavioral health, child welfare, disability services, public assistance, and senior care programs. The attorneys in our Office of Legal Affairs are essential partners providing critical legal support to programs that serve Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. This position is a deliberate choice made by attorneys who value service and a mission-oriented focus. If that describes you, we want you as a member of our close-knit team.

Areas of Practice in DPHHS

Work within this office touches a wide range of substantive areas, giving attorneys the opportunity to develop genuine expertise across multiple fields of law including healthcare and Medicaid Law, labor and employment, civil rights, administrative law and regulatory practice and so much more.

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. Eligible for No-Cost services at Montana Health Center clinics, wellness incentives, 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 whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Preferred knowledge of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA) and administrative hearing practice
• Preferred experience advising government agencies, judicial review of agency decisions or other institutional clients
• Preferred litigation experience
• Preferred knowledge of the Montana legislative process
• Meet minimum qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Minimum five years of legal experience
  • Active admission to practice law in Montana, or eligibility and commitment to obtain Montana licensure within a reasonable period of time.
  • Interest in healthcare law or areas of law directly relevant to DPHHS programs

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 teleworkwithin the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until August, 27th, 2026.