Deputy Chief Legal Counsel

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Office of the Montana State Auditor in Helena, MT, seeks a Deputy Chief Legal Counsel to lead the Legal Division and oversee major litigation matters.

The role requires a JD, Montana Bar admission or eligibility, and at least ten years of progressively complex legal work, plus three years of managerial experience. Hybrid or remote work may be possible depending on circumstances.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in Montana, or ability to become admitted by an agreed-upon process.
• Ten years of experience with progressively more difficult legal work.
• Experience as lead counsel at trial in complex civil or criminal matters.
• Three or more years of relevant managerial experience, preferably in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel for special projects and key litigation matters, drafting pleadings and briefs, representing CSI in court appearances and on appeal.
• Supervise and manage CSI’s Legal Division to ensure timely, accurate, and professional delivery of legal services.
• Manage and supervise attorneys and paralegals, overseeing cases from referral to final resolution.
• Assist with recruiting and hiring members of the legal team.
• Develop office-wide policies and strategies aligned with applicable laws.
• Provide testimony before the Montana Legislature as necessary.
• Perform other legal and managerial duties in support of CSI’s mission and programs.

Skills

Lead counsel experience

Managerial experience

Litigation

Legal research and writing

Public sector experience

Education

Juris Doctor degree

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.

CSI Overview

CSI is tasked with protecting Montanans by regulating two of the state’s largest industries: securities and insurance. As a criminal justice agency, we protect Montanans through public education, regulation of covered entities, and vigorous enforcement of the law, ensuring accountability for fraudsters and justice for their victims. For more information, please visit our website HERE.

This position is open until filled. Candidates applying through September 15, 2026, will be included in the first application review.

About this Opportunity

The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Office of the Montana State Auditor, (CSI) is seeking a Deputy Chief Legal Counsel to help lead the Legal Division.

• Salary:$125,000 - $130,000 depending on experience
• Position Type:Full Time
• Job Location:Helena, Montana (potential hybrid or remote work depending on the circumstances)
• Relocation Expenses:Negotiable
• Application Requirements:Cover letter, resume, writing sample, and law school transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)

What You’ll Do

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Serve as lead counsel for special projects and key litigation matters, including drafting pleadings and briefs, representing CSI in court appearances, and representing CSI on appeal.
• Participate in the supervision and management of CSI’s Legal Division to ensure the timely, accurate, and professional delivery of legal services.
• Manage and supervise other attorneys and paralegals, including supervising cases from the initial referral to the final resolution.
• Assist with recruiting and hiring members of the legal team.
• Participate in developing office-wide policies and strategies that are consistent with applicable laws.
• Provide testimony before the Montana Legislature as necessary.
• Perform a variety of other legal and managerial duties in support of the CSI’s mission and program objectives. This includes representing the agency at meetings and conferences; coordinating projects and initiatives with other state, federal, and tribal agencies; responding to written and telephonic requests for public information; and responding to inquiries from regulated entities, interest groups, and the public to provide information and maintain public awareness of CSI programs and activities.

Why Join CSI

• Meaningful, Purpose-Driven Work: Help protect Montanans by enforcing Montana's insurance and securities laws. This includes a special focus on protecting elderly and vulnerable individuals who are the victims of fraud.
• Work Life Balance:Up to 38+ paid days off a year, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Generous maternity and parental leave. Hybrid or partial telework work arrangements may be possible.
• Outstanding State of Montana Benefits:Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family starting on your first day of employment. Access to telehealth and comprehensive services at the employee health clinics at no additional out-of-pocket cost through our medical plan. Additional details are available HERE.
• Retirement Security:Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. Additional details are available HERE.
• Loan Forgiveness:Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Positive Culture:CSI is a small, family-friendly state agency. Our success comes from building effective working relationships based on mutual trust and respect for each other’s skills and abilities. We will encourage you to excel both in your individual competencies and as a team player. To learn more, visit our “Work with Us” page HERE.
• Beautiful Helena, Montana:As the capital of Montana, Helena is a vibrant community. Outside of work, you will have access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, biking, skiing, boating, hiking, golfing, etc. Helena is also a cultural center with historical sites, art galleries, live theater, natural hot springs, restaurants, local microbreweries, live concerts, and a well-maintained trail system. Learn more about moving to and living in Helena, Montana HERE.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing in the State Bar of Montana, or the ability to become a member by an agreed-upon data. Individuals with five (5) years of practice in another state may be able to apply for admission to the Montana Bar “on motion.” Details are available HERE.
• Ten years of experience with progressively more difficult legal work.
• Experience as lead counsel at trial in complex civil or criminal matters.
• Three or more years of relevant managerial experience, preferably in the public sector.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience with insurance or securities law.
• Practical experience as a licensed insurance or securities professional.
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills.

Work Environment and Requirements

• This position is a supervisory position. This position is exempt under the FLSA.
• Special requirements include successful completion of a fingerprint background check and possession of a valid driver’s license.