Chief Legal Counsel

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate degree form an accredited law school.
• 5 yrs experience in progressively more difficult legal work.
• 1 yr managerial experience preferably in the public sector.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Montana and federal district court. 

CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL

LEGAL SERVICES

HELENA, MT

MISSION- Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment.

If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

JOB OVERVIEW – The Montana Department of Corrections is looking for an experienced attorney to join the Legal Services Bureau as Chief Legal Counsel. The Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for leading, supervising, and managing the Legal Services Bureau with the Montana Department of Corrections. Responsibilities include case assignment, distribution, oversight of ongoing litigation, consultation with external counsel, and supervision of bureau attorneys, paralegals and support staff. The incumbent may case load as needed and will work closely with the Chief General Counsel. The incumbent provides counsel, advice and assistance to the Director and staff.

Litigation

• The Chief Legal Counsel may assume a portion of the litigation caseload that comes into the Legal Service Bureau.
•  Work closely with legal services staff to assure that the cases are coordinated and monitored to assure department   staff and issues are supported through effective and uniform litigation.
• Consults with Director regarding complex cases to develop strategies that will result in the best outcomes for the department.
• May present arguments both orally and in writing, prepare and review briefing, and participate in all aspects of legal proceedings in both State and federal courts.
• Initiates and conducts settlement negotiations, which are binding on the Department or the Risk Management and Tort Defense Division.
• Evaluates each adverse decision for appeal and defends appeals brought by opposing counsel. On appeal, must file all requisite notices, research and write appellate briefs and argues orally before the appellate court.
• May represent the Department, its officers and employees in administrative proceedings.
• Act as liaison with outside counsel representing the Department.

Supervision

• Responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and oversight of the Legal Services Bureau.
• Manages bureau litigation and project caseloads by assigning cases and projects providing equitable distribution based on technical knowledge of case complexity and resource needed
• Supervises attorney work, including monitoring of strategies, progress and resolution of cases.
• Provides coaching, oversight and evaluation of bureau staff attorney’s work.
• Supervises bureau staff including recruiting and selection processes.
• Approves time sheet submissions and requests for leave.
• Manages bureau budget, providing and reviewing expenditure information.
• Manges and serves as liaison for outside legal contracts making determinations on appropriate law firms.

General Counsel Functions

• Provides and oversees the Bureau’s general legal advice to Department clients.
•  Answers legal questions, orally and in writing, presented by department administrators and employees concerning interpretation and application of statutes, rules and regulations and case law
• Responds to questions orally or in writing presented by county attorneys, defense attorneys, and others including judges concerning the application and interpretation of statutes, rules and regulations especially in the area of criminal sentencing, department programs and sentence calculations.
• Oversees promulgation of Administrative Rules, policies and procedures.
•  Provides advice on general government matters including, legal compliance, land use, public records requests, and financial obligations.

 

APPLICATION MATERIALS – Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Cover Letter 
• Resume
• State of Montana Application

Materials submitted but not requested may 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.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

NOTICES

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 if 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).

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.