Prosecution Attorney

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 72,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Holidays

E-Verify participation

Job summary

The State of Montana, through the Montana Department of Justice, seeks a Prosecution Attorney to lead major criminal prosecutions, including high-profile violent crime cases, and to work within a dedicated prosecution services bureau. The position emphasizes courtroom trial work, coordinating with local law enforcement, preparing witnesses, and handling complex felony matters from pretrial to appeal.

Helena is preferred, with other MT locations possible; open until filled with first review on

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Represents the State of Montana in complex criminal prosecutions across the state, including presenting witnesses, evidence, argument, motions practice, hearings and trials before District Court Judges and Juries.
• Conducts legal research and analysis on a broad spectrum of legal and factual issues in felony criminal cases before state trial and appellate courts with heavy emphasis on criminal law and procedure, and matters involving violent crime such as homicide and sexual offenses.
• Evaluates investigative case files and determines if felony prosecution is warranted.
• Communicates with and prepares witnesses before trial; collects or supervises collection of information necessary for the conduct of criminal prosecution.
• Engages in formal pretrial discovery and drafts subpoenas and search warrants.

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Job description

Job Description - Prosecution Attorney (26142611)

Position Title:

Prosecution Attorney - ( 26142611 )

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 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 Prosecution Attorney is responsible for preparing and trying major criminal cases, individually and as part of a prosecution team, with heavy emphasis on cases of a high-profile nature involving violent crime. The Prosecution Services Bureau provides a broad range of professional legal services across the State, including prosecuting major cases, training and trial assistance, research and consultation to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as authorized by the Attorney General and mandated by law.

Assigned Duties

Represents the State of Montana in complex criminal prosecutions across the state, including the presentation of witnesses, evidence, argument, motions practice, hearings and trials before District Court Judges and Juries. Conducts legal research and analysis on a broad spectrum of legal and factual issues in felony criminal cases before state trial and appellate courts with heavy emphasis on criminal law and procedure, and matters involving violent crime such as homicide and sexual offenses. Evaluates investigative case files generated by local law enforcement and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and determines if felony prosecution is warranted. Communicates with and prepares witnesses before trial; collects or supervises the collection of information necessary for the conduct of criminal prosecution. Engages the services of the expert witnesses as needed. Engages in formal pretrial discovery, exercising discretion in determining when search warrants or investigative subpoenas are needed, and drafts and executes investigative subpoenas and search warrants. Analyzes legal and factual case circumstances to develop alternatives for trial presentation and coordinates the conduct of cases to maintain consistency and organization. Synthesizes legal materials and composes written briefs, pleadings and other documents. Exercises professional discretion in determining the propriety of plea agreements and in negotiating such agreements to resolve complex felony cases prior to trial. Exercises professional discretion in the prosecution of complex felony matters nearly all of which are tried before district court juries. Prepares and submits jury instructions. Analyzes appellate court decisions for legal effect and impact on the interests of the state. Serves as lead attorney on cases that are tried and supervises the investigative efforts of local law enforcement officers and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation in the preparation of cases for trial.

Other Legal Duties

Conducts training programs for local prosecutors on all types of criminal law and procedure issues. Provides advice and assistance to local prosecutors on issues relating to every aspect of criminal law and procedure. Establishes and maintains working relationships with representatives of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, state crime lab, local prosecutors, the courts and defense attorneys.

This position may be subject to special assignment, including but not limited to prosecuting Montana State Fund Fraud, or Fish, Wildlife, and Parks cases.

This position may also serve as a liaison between the Department of Justice and the Legislature regarding the reporting statewide data to the legislature.

The preferred location for this position is in Helena, but other locations in MT may be considered.

This position is open until filled. First review of candidates will be on 11/2/2026.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree.

At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.

Admission to and maintenance of licensure i n good standing from the State Bar of Montana.

If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire, or 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

Two years’ experience in the prosecution of criminal cases, including homicide, sexual crimes, and other violent crime cases.

Significant jury trial experience as lead or co-counsel.

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

Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

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

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary

$52.07 - 57.01 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Justice Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Oct 19, 2026, 7:00:18 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name : Human Resources | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] 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.