Lawyer

The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is seeking applicants for an Attorney in our Legal Bureau. 

Why Work with Us?

The CSI is a small, family-friendly state agency that takes pride in unity.  Our success derives from having effective working relationships built on mutual trust and respect for each other’s skills and abilities.  We will challenge you to be the best you can be in both your individual competencies and as a team player.  We have created an environment for success and will work hard to provide opportunities for you to progress in your career with mentorship, education, training, and certifications. 

To learn more about the CSI, the division, benefits, and this position, please continue to read more and visit our “Work with Us” page on our website HERE.     

CSI Overview

We are entrusted with protecting all Montanans by regulating two of the state’s largest industries—securities and insurance.  We strive to foster a thriving Montana industry marketplace through education, common-sense regulation, and equitable enforcement of the law with swift accountability for fraudsters and justice for their victims.  We are a criminal justice agency.   

Additional information about CSI to include our Vision and Mission can be found by visiting our “About CSI” webpage HERE.

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.

About this Opportunity

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced attorney who loves to learn and is interested in staying abreast of, and matching wits with, the ever-changing, technologically-morphing, insurance industry; and the robust securities, business capitalization, and crowd-funding arenas.  You would have an amazing opportunity to learn these financial-sector industries as technological change sweeps through old business models.  

 You would be representing the CSI in complex criminal and civil litigation involving the insurance and securities industries.  This would include managing cases from referral through final judgment.  Litigation duties include drafting all pleadings, engaging in written discovery, drafting and filing motions and briefs, making court appearances, and taking and defending depositions.  You would also be representing the CSI in administrative proceedings under the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.  Occasional appellate advocacy is required in both district court petitions for judicial review and in Montana Supreme Court appeals.   

In addition to the litigation duties described above, you would be researching and investigating referrals on matters concerning regulatory compliance; advising agency staff on administrative matters; researching and preparing proposed legislation; testifying at legislative hearings; preparing legal opinions; and drafting administrative rules.  Additionally, there may be times when you are appointed to serve as a hearing examiner for administrative cases. 

Minimum qualifications for this position are as follows:

• Juris Doctor;
• Membership in good standing in the State Bar of Montana, or the ability to become a member by the agreed upon start date; and
• Three years of litigation experience as a lead attorney, preferably with trial experience.

Preferred qualifications for this position are as follows:

• Five or more years as a litigator in a state or federal government agency;
• Two or more years in the insurance or securities industries; or
• Two or more years with a state or federal insurance or securities regulator.
• Alternate combinations of experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What do you need to do to apply?

If you are interested in protecting Montana consumers through the regulation of the insurance and securities industries, please submit all of the following application materials:

·         Resume *

·         A cover letter outlining your litigation experience

·         A writing sample of which you are the sole author

·         Copies of your college and law school transcripts

·         Three professional business references

*In your resume, please include all work experience that qualifies you for this position, including duties and dates of employment (month and year for start and end).  Please also include reasons for leaving all positions.

Your application will NOT be considered without these required items.

Important Tip:  When uploading and submitting your application materials, please make sure to mark your attachments as "relevant" or we will be unable to view them.

All application materials are subject to review and verification.  CSI will invite a limited number of applicants to a minimum of one structured interview.  The interview may include a performance test.  Those selected are subject to successful references, background, and fingerprint checks.  

The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal history background check.

Only electronic materials will be accepted. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact CSI Human Resources.  Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. 

Applicants claiming employment preference are required to provide proper documentation, e.g. Vet Preference (DD214), Disabled Vet document from U.S. Veterans Administration certifying service-connected disability or purple heart medal, disabled (DPHHS Disability Certification), by the closing date. The State of Montana Careers system will generate an email with instructions on how to submit preference documents.