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State of Montana

Lawyer I, Lawyer II

State of Montana See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Helena, MT
April 6, 2026 Attorney

Job Description

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's 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

  • Meet minimum qualifications:

    • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

    • Lawyer II (minimum five years), Lawyer I (minimum 3 years) of post-licensure legal experience

    • Active admission to practice law in Montana, or in an area of law relevant to DPHHS programs, with eligibility and commitment to obtain Montana licensure

    • Knowledge of healthcare law or areas of law directly relevant to DPHHS programs

    • Knowledge of Montana legislative process

 

How to Apply

 

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

  • Cover Letter

  • Resume

  • References

 

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

 

This position is open until filled; applicants are screened on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.



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