Deputy Chief Legal Counsel

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.

DEPUTY CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL

DIRECTORS OFFICE

HELENA, MT

 

MISSION - The Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. We are the third largest Department in Montana state government, with services touching every community in Big Sky Country.  If you want to make positive changes in the community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you! 

 

JOB OVERVIEW – The Montana Department of Correction is looking for an attorney to join the Legal Services Bureau as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.  The Deputy Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for assisting the Chief Legal Counsel with representing and defending the Department in pending and future litigation, and on-going case management.

 

Competencies: 

Knowledge of or ability to learn:

•  Constitutional, administrative, public safety, healthcare, contracts, employment, data privacy, and Montana public records laws;
• Draft and/or amend legislation and/or administrative rules;
• Draft and/or amend administrative policies and procedures; and
• Courtroom practices and procedures. 

Ability to:

•  Assign litigation matters and perform managerial tasks as directed by the Chief Legal Counsel;
•  Develop case strategies, draft pleadings, motions, briefs, memorandum, and opinions; conduct discovery; prepare witnesses; initiate and conduct settlement negotiations; and present cases in state and federal courts.
•  Adapt and operate in a dynamic and technical legal, and political environment;
•  Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines with limited oversight;
• Exercise sound judgment in the analysis, review, and handling of assigned work and cases from start to finish;
• Respond and work collaboratively with others, including outside counsel, county attorneys, defense attorneys, and judges concerning the application and interpretation of statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.

 

The majority of the work is located in Helena, but the position may be in a different location if suitable office space and arrangements can be made.

 

The hourly rate of this position will increase by $1.00 per hour or 2.5%, whichever is greater, effective July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026, in accordance with HB13. Pay increases for union positions are contingent upon a ratified collective bargaining agreement.

 

 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application
• A legal writing sample that is solely your own
• References

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 -  Any person who has been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or is the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or any person who has been civilly or administratively adjusted to have engaged in the activity as described are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited.  In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.

The Montana Department of Corrections is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO (Equal Opportunity Employer\: Minority, Female, Disabled, Veteran, Sexual Orientation)

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Five years of practical experience in progressively more difficult legal work with one year of related managerial experience preferably in the public sector.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Montana and federal district courts.