Lawyer 2

Division Overview:

The Central Services Division (CSD) team works in partnership with agency divisions providing coaching on human resource policies and procedures, financial management and adherence to fiscal responsibility. We value and respect our fellow team members across the Montana Department of Justice.

The Montana Law Enforcement Academy serves as the premier training institution for law enforcement and public safety professionals in the state of Montana. Its primary mission is to provide comprehensive and standardized training programs to law enforcement and public safety professionals, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to serve their communities effectively. Through rigorous instruction and practical exercises, the Academy aims to foster a culture of professionalism, integrity, and accountability among Montana's criminal justice personnel, ultimately enhancing public safety and trust in the criminal justice system.

Job Overview :

Position Summary

This attorney position is located in the Central Services Division (CSD) of the Department of Justice and reports to the General Counsel. The position's primary responsibility is to serve as legal counsel and an instructor for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. In this capacity, the incumbent develops, coordinates, and delivers all legal training for law enforcement trainees.

In addition and as time permits, this position will provide support services to other areas of the Department as needed by the General Counsel. These duties include advising on human resources, labor relations, fiscal matters, procurement, and contracts, as well as representing the Department in related legal proceedings.

Primary Responsibilities: Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA)

Curriculum Development and Instruction: Develops, conducts, coordinates, and reviews all legal training at MLEA. Establishes comprehensive lesson plans to define course objectives, standards, and evaluation criteria.

Expert Legal Training: Delivers quality legal and investigative information in both classroom and scenario-based environments. Provides expert education and training in laws of arrest, search and seizure, interrogation, due process, and cruel and unusual punishment as contained in the Montana and U.S. Constitutions, Montana Code Annotated, and Administrative Rules of Montana.

Trainee Evaluation: Monitors and evaluates the performance of trainees enrolled in investigative and legal programs. This includes evaluating examinations, skills tests, and other formal measures of performance; identifying deficiencies and recommending improvements; and determining overall performance based on established course standards.

Secondary Responsibilities: Department of Justice

Human Resources and Labor Relations: Assists with advising department management and human resources staff in all areas relating to the hiring, management, discipline, and/or discharge of Department employees. Assists with providing legal counsel on collective bargaining and labor relations matters.

Policy Review and Compliance: Assists with reviews Department HR policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and compliance with state and federal statutory requirements. Updates CSD HR staff on new and anticipated changes in statutes, administrative regulations, and case law, and suggests necessary policy changes.

Fiscal, Budget, and Contract Review: Assists the CSD Fiscal and Budget staff in all areas relating to fiscal, budget, and procurement, including the application of state and federal laws. Reviews, revises, and/or prepares various contracts, service agreements, IT service and support agreements, leases, and other operational documents for legal sufficiency.

Legal Research: Researches questions of law as required and prepares legal opinions, memoranda of conclusions, and reports at the direction of the General Counsel.

Litigation and Representation: Assists in defending the Department in all legal proceedings relating to human resources and labor relations, including but not limited to discrimination claims, disciplinary and/or discharge challenges, and unfair labor practice charges.

Litigation Management: Drafts and files pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery in litigation matters and maintains appropriate scheduling of court or other tribunal appearances. Creates other litigation documents, settlement proposals, and interim letters to the court and all parties. Prepares Department management, staff, and other parties as witnesses for hearings and trials.

Information Management: Drafts legal memoranda and reports. Assists in evaluating and answering all official requests for information, including subpoenas, public information requests, and other inquiries.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your resume and cover letter electronically. If you have any questions, email Bri Smith at briana.smith2@mt.gov.

This is a permanent full-time position and located in Helena, Montana .

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• Two years of specialized law and lead litigation experience.

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 cover letter, resume, 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 cover letter and 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: Jan 1, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

• 

• Montana Department of Justice

• 1 (406) 459-3741

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