Description
The Role:
The staff lawyer will be responsible, under policy guidance, direction and supervision of the chief legal counsel, for providing competent legal counsel in all phases of the department, commission and board’s duties and responsibilities, as assigned. These legal services are provided through the chief legal counsel or as assigned from the director.
The lawyer reports to the chief legal counsel who assigns tasks, sets priorities, and reviews the strategies and recommendations on litigation, legal advice, regulations, and legislation in consultation with the lawyer. The lawyer is required to exercise and rely on his or her legal judgment in representing the agency in litigation and in analyzing and advising on legal issues and is required to exercise discretion in the conduct of litigation and administrative contested cases. The lawyer may be assigned to support and assist the assigned lead lawyer in major litigation. Highly sensitive, important, costly, and precedent-setting decisions are discussed with the chief legal counsel, director, chief of staff, chief of operations, and affected administrators and regional supervisors, but the lawyer is responsible for analyzing the legal ramifications of situations and recommending agency action. The lawyer is primarily responsible for legal advice, litigation strategy and conduct, investigations, and negotiations in areas of responsibility and tasks assigned. The lawyer works independently but is responsible for briefing the chief legal counsel and director's office on the more significant strategies and progress.
The duties also require a working knowledge of civil procedure, administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, contract law, and real estate law.
In summary, the lawyer is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on agency policy and legislation, including strategy, that affect both the short-term and long-term operations and goals of the department, commission, and board and for developing strategy and representing the department in litigation and administrative hearings, including prosecuting, defending, negotiating and settling cases, providing legal advice and representation in issues as assigned. The lawyer is also responsible for other day-to-day legal service needs of the department.
To Apply:
Please remember to attach the required documents:
Cover Letter
Resume
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. A Resume is not a substitute for the State Application. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on February 11, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site https://statecareers.mt.gov/ .
Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Office Location: Helena HQ. Regional HQ office location in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, or Great Falls may be considered.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are acquired through a Juris Doctorate degree and admission to the Montana State Bar, plus 24 months of progressively more responsibility and experience as a practicing attorney, with specific civil trial/hearing experience strongly preferred. Subject matter experience in administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, and real estate law is preferred.
