Attorney – Tort Defense

What are we looking for?
Education and Experience: 

·         Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school; and

·         Two years of practical experience in civil cases (section 1983); and

·         Admission to the State Bar of Montana; Eligible to be admitted to practice in Federal district courts; Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

·         Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Competencies: 
Knowledge of:

·         Courtroom and office practices and procedures particularly related to trials

·         Montana Rules of Civil and Appellate Civil Procedures, Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure, uniform District Court rules and local rules, civil rights liability under 42 U.S. C. section 1983 and related statues

·         Laws of mandamus, prohibition, supervisory control and other common law writs and extraordinary remedies such as temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, Federal and Montana Rules of Evidence

·         Both the rule-making and contested case provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act

·         The statutes and administrative rules governing the operation and management of defendant agencies programs

Ability to:

·         Discern information needed and to obtain the information through discovery techniques

·         Conduct advisory, litigation and appellate advocacy in an effective manner

·         Work independently, organizing time to meet varying demands of position which may include extremely short deadlines, complex and detailed projects

·         Act with initiative, common sense and good judgment, and to be accountable for decisions and actions

·         Handle confidential and sensitive material

·         Work as an effective member of a team and individually

·         Persuade and influence

·         Analyze statutes, cases and regulations and apply to distinct factual situations

·         Perform legal research

·         Prepare legal documents for filing

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references.  (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.)

 

Other important information to be aware of.

·         Only online applications are accepted.  By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

Ø  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…

Ø  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!

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.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?
We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration.  Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships, built on mutual trust and respect.  We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed. 

What is this career opportunity?
We are looking for a licensed attorney interested in defending tort and civil rights actions.  We are interested in an attorney that is experienced in tort and civil rights work but also open to an attorney that is passionate about learning and growing in that area of law.  We offer opportunities for lawyers to manage their own files, participate in complex litigation, and practice before judges and juries in state and federal court. Hone your legal skills working alongside our in-house litigation team and outside counsel throughout Montana.  The tort and civil rights actions we defend involve those of a highly complex nature, filed in state and federal district courts against state agencies, officers and employees at all stages of civil litigation.  The work involves case review and analysis, legal research, drafting of pleadings, engaging in discovery, conducting investigation, motions practice, presentation of evidence to a court or jury, participation in settlement conferences and mediations, and appellate work.
(You can learn more about the our Risk Management and Tort Defense Division here.) 

In this position, you will be afforded the opportunity to telework. However, there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena.  Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy.