Go Back
About the Department
The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.
(You can learn more about us here.)
About this Position
The Commerce Director's Office provides centralized finance, budget, legal, IT and HR services and resources for the Department Divisions and attached boards.
This position provides general legal advice and services to the Department, including its four primary divisions and ten attached boards. Those services may include: (i) general legal research on statutes, case law, and administrative rules; (ii) contract review and drafting; (iii) drafting the Department’s administrative rules; (iv) supporting the Department during legislative sessions, including by drafting proposed legislation; (v) providing litigation support, including in contested case settings; (vi) advising boards and commissions that are administratively attached to the Department; and (vii) facilitating effective administration of the Department by providing legal advice to Department leadership. The general subject matter of these legal services can vary widely, and may include the administration of government programs, business development, infrastructure development, community development, tourism and film promotion, public housing, housing and health facility financing programs, employment law, contract law, secured transactions, intellectual property, land use/planning, and tax law. This position reports to the Department’s Chief Legal Counsel and will be an important contributor to a legal department consisting of four total employees.
This position is open until filled with a first application review date of February 6, 2024.
What are we looking for?
Education and Experience:
· A Juris Doctorate from ABA accredited law school
· A member of the State Bar of Montana who is admitted to practice in Montana and federal courts
· Three or more years of practical legal experience (public sector or private practice)
· Three or more years of practical experience with government contracts and procurement is preferred.
· Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Competencies:
Knowledge of:
· Strong legal writing and researching skills
· Effective interpersonal skills.
· Ability to exercise good judgment when providing legal advice on important matters of public concern
· A detailed understanding of and/or ability to master relevant local, Montana, and federal statutes/regulations, as well as case law interpreting those statutes and regulations.
· A general understanding of administrative and court processes, as well as the State of Montana’s biannual legislative process.
· An ability to draft, review, and approve of various types of contracts, including those related to state procurement.
Ability to:
· Identify and assess complex legal issues and weigh their potential impacts;
· Maintain client confidences on sensitive issues;
· Consistently act in an ethical and professional manner;
· Work collaboratively and respectfully with other legal staff members;
· Remain calm and articulate under pressure; and
· Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with a large staff of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
How to apply
Apply online by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references. References will not be contacted until after interview process is completed and you will be notified when we will be reaching out to them. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)
Benefits
· Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:
o Work/life Balance
o Health Coverage
o Retirement plans
o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
o And more…
· Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
Other important information to be aware of
· This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
· Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
· If you fail to upload the requested application documents and/or preference documents, we will notify you via email. Failure to upload these documents after notification will result in your application being removed from consideration.
· This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the State of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New Employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.
