Tobacco Attorney

Water Resources Office; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 108,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection, seeks a Tobacco Attorney in Helena to enforce the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and related consumer protection laws. The Attorney represents the state in civil litigation in state and federal courts and participates in multi-state enforcement efforts.

Requirements include a Juris Doctor, Montana Bar admission (or eligibility within one year), and at least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor required and Montana Bar admission or eligibility within 1 year.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Bar admission in Montana; admission on motion possible from other states.
• Other combinations of education and experience considered case-by-case.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State of Montana in civil litigation in state and federal courts.
• Diligently enforce the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and consumer protection laws.
• Participate in multi-state examination, investigation, and litigation activities.
• Supervise the Tobacco Paralegal and report to the OCP Bureau Chief.

Skills

Specialized law & litigation

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Bar admission (Montana or eligible)

Job description

Position Title:

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 Tobacco Attorney is a part of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and is responsible for diligently enforcing the 1998 Tobacco Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (MSA), including investigations and prosecutions of Montana’s tobacco laws. (MCA §§ 16-11-401 to 16-11-512) The MSA requires tobacco companies to make payments to states in perpetuity, and prohibits tobacco companies from advertising to children, and from making false claims about the health effects of cigarettes. The MSA requires each state to diligently enforce certain tobacco laws. The MSA brings substantial funding to the State, in recent years between $27 and $33 million per year, continued receipt of which is, to a significant extent, dependent on tobacco law enforcement.

The Attorney represents the State of Montana in complex and routine civil litigation in state and federal courts, and in administrative forums. These cases are extremely diverse, and include, but are not limited to, the following: the MSA, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, the False Claims Act, the unauthorized practice of law, and Montana statutes which affect non-profit corporations, and charitable trusts.

The Attorney participates in multi-state examination, investigation, and litigation enforcing the MSA and consumer protection laws through conference calls and working groups.

This position supervises the Tobacco Paralegal and reports to the OCP Bureau Chief.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure 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. 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:

• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience, preferably in consumer protection.

Salary:

$52.07 - 57.01 Hourly

Telework Eligibility:

Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility:

• Health Insurance
• Paid Leave & Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Agency

Department of Justice

Union

None

Posting Date

Oct 14, 2026, 8:27:36 PM

Closing Date

Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume

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

Participation in E-Verify

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

Minority Inclusion

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

EEO Statement

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.