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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 live in Helena, Montana?
· Helena is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains and is tucked below the Continental Divide.
· It is a relatively quiet place to call home where small-town living collides with outdoor adventure.
· Helena has a rich history and was originally founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush.
· Learn more about moving to and/or living in Helena, Montana 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.
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.
(You can learn more about us here.)
The Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) serves active and retired teachers and educators in the State of Montana. Its primary purpose is to administer their pension plan, which includes (but is not limited to) payment of retirement benefits, collection of member contributions and enrollment of new members.
What is this career opportunity?
The Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Board seeks an experienced and dynamic Chief Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal services and strategic guidance.
This position is responsible for preparing legal documents (including pleadings, motions, and briefs); representing and litigating cases for the TRS Board in administrative, state, and federal courts; and providing expert legal advice. Additional duties include drafting, interpreting, and applying legislation, regulations, and contracts, as well as analyzing and advising on the impact of legal and regulatory changes. This position holds independent fiduciary duties to retirement system participants, requiring sound judgment and autonomy. It reports directly to the TRS Executive Director and is instrumental in ensuring compliance with federal and state laws governing TRS operations.
This is a unique opportunity to work with a constitutionally empowered authority, shape public policy, and make a lasting impact on the retirement security of Montana’s educators.
Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):
- Litigation: Represents the TRS Board, staff, and members in state and federal courts, administrative hearings, and appeals. Develops case strategies; drafts pleadings, motions and briefs; conducts discovery; prepares witnesses; and presents cases. Manages settlement negotiations and ensures effective legal representation in precedent-setting cases.
- Program Design: Advises on legal parameters and constraints for the development and operation of public employee pension systems. Assists in drafting and interpreting constitutional provisions, legislation, rules, policies, and plan documents to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Analyzes operational procedures and recommends improvements.
- Consultation and Communication: Provides legal guidance to legislators, state agencies, and policymakers. Testifies before legislative committees and lobbies to support the Board's legislative initiatives. Delivers training to legal professionals on special areas of public pension law.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admitted to practice in Montana or ability to be admitted to practice in Montana by motion.
- Five (5) years’ legal experience, preferably in public pension law, administrative law, personal injury claims, disability determinations, constitutional law and judicial appeals.
- Proven expertise in state and federal litigation, policy development, and legislative processes.
- Strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
· Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Competencies:
Knowledge of\:
· State statutes and regulations governing the Teachers’ Retirement System;
· State and federal constitutional provisions relating to pension trust funds, equal protection, due process, contractual impairment by government agencies, and right to know/right of privacy;
· Civil Rights liability for governmental agencies and employees under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and related statutes, including federal declaratory judgment actions;
· State and federal civil court litigation, including courtroom practice and procedure, Montana and Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure, Montana and Federal Uniform District Court Rules, and Montana and Federal Rules of Evidence;
· Knowledge of the conduct of state and federal administrative proceedings under the Montana and federal Administrative Procedures Act, Attorney General's Model Rules, and Board regulations;
· Knowledge of Montana contract and tort law and principles of equity, particularly as applied to retirement systems and pension trust fund administration;
· Knowledge of work disability determination issues under various governmental programs, such as federal social security and state workers' compensation;
· Knowledge of trust fund administration and legal obligations of fiduciaries; and
· Knowledge of federal income tax laws and regulations related to retirement systems.
Ability to:
· Demonstrate independent judgment and strong decision-making in complex legal and regulatory matters;
· Anticipate legal risks and develop proactive solutions;
· Represent organizational interests in negotiations and mediations;
· Uphold fiduciary duties with integrity and ethical judgment;
· Interpret statutes, rules and case law and assess their implications for operations and policies;
· Adapt to handle evolving legal and regulatory landscapes; and
· Collaborate with senior leadership and provide strategic guidance.
Skills:
· Exceptional ability to draft clear, concise legal documents;
· Strong verbal communication skills to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences including non-lawyers;’
· Skill in developing case strategies, conducting discoveries, negotiating settlements and presenting cases in court; and
· Skills providing legislative testimony and advising on policy initiatives
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.)
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!
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.
