Appellate Services Bureau Chief

Division Overview:

The States Attorneys Office of the Montana Department of Justice is dedicated to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law on behalf of the people of Montana.

It functions as lawyers and legal support for the State of Montana. The division is comprised of four (4) bureaus: Appellate Services Bureau, Prosecution Services Bureau, Civil Services Bureau, Office of Consumer Protection & Victims Services. The bureaus within DOJ have diverse duties in the legal community, including the defense of Montana's laws as passed by Legislature and voters, representing state agencies and boards, bringing criminals to justice, standing up for victims of crime, and protecting consumers. The employees of DOJ are committed to working hard, working smart, and working thoughtfully in the execution of the Division's mission.

Job Overview :

The Appellate Services Bureau Chief is the supervisor and managing attorney of the Appellate Services Bureau with Legal Services Division. The incumbent supervises and manages the bureau, oversees caseload and arguments, and assigns and monitors cases. The incumbent also handles other administrative tasks associated with management of the bureau. The Appellate Services Bureau represents the State of Montana in the appeals of all criminal cases, as well as juvenile cases, child abuse and neglect cases, and involuntary commitments to the Montana Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. The bureau is also responsible for litigating all matters of original jurisdiction in the Montana Supreme Court, and representing the State through collateral review of the conviction (state post-conviction, state habeas corpus, and federal habeas corpus review) in state and federal court.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from college and an accredited law school.

• Must be licensed to practice law in Montana (as certified by the Montana Supreme Court) and hold membership in good standing with the State Bar of Montana OR be licensed to practice law in any state with membership in good standing in that state's bar association and be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within an established time period determined at time of hire.

• Four years of experience leading an organization's legal strategy and handling sensitive or controversial cases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of supervisor and management principles and practices.

• Superior knowledge of Montana Rules of Appellate Procedure, Montana Rules of Evidence, substantive criminal law, involuntary commitment statutes and decisions, child abuse and neglect statutes and decisions, criminal procedure, post-conviction statutes and procedural bars, and state habeas corpus statutes and procedures.

• Thorough knowledge of federal rules of evidence, federal rules of civil procedure, federal rules of Appellate Procedure, federal habeas statutes and rules, and Rules of the U.S. Supreme Court. Superior research and writing skills, including citation format.

• Thorough knowledge of word processing software, hardware, and data bases. Specialized knowledge in particular areas of the criminal law, including death penalty.

• Superior advocacy skills. Advanced organizational and leadership skills, including teaching skills. Skills in the use of personal computer and standard office equipment.

• Ability to conduct thorough legal research.

• Ability to mentor and supervise junior attorneys and paralegal staff.

• Ability to develop and maintain a culture of teamwork, professionalism, efficiency, productivity, timeliness, quality, and accountability.

• Ability to assign cases and projects and to track all cases, issues, deadlines, and caseload statistics, utilizing case management software.

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with opposing counsel, judges, court personnel, prosecutors, legislators, and citizens.

• Ability to effectively handle multiple demands at the same time.

• Ability to develop legal strategies and to coordinate briefing to maintain consistent and persuasive legal arguments which advance those strategies.

• Ability to provide consistent, high-quality training to prosecutors and judges using Power Point or similar presentation software.

Competencies:

• Communication

• Initiative and Accountability

• Decision Making and Judgment

• Leadership

• Ethics

• Flexibility and Adaptability

• Analytical Thinking

• Relationship Building

• Delegation

• Multitasking

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years' supervisory/management experience is preferred.

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check

• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application .

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Resume : Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• Retirement plans

• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date/Time: Sep 7, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

• 

• Montana Department of Justice

• 1 (406) 459-3741

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