What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Attorney position at MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE?
Division Mission:
The State's Attorney's Office in the Montana Department of Justice is dedicated to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law on behalf of the people of Montana. The office includes the Solicitor General's Office, Criminal Prosecution and Appellate Services, Civil Services and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana's laws as passed by the Legislature, constitutional challenges, determining legal sufficiency of ballot initiatives, prosecution of criminals, handling all phases of litigation from district court proceedings through appeal, and complex litigation of antitrust matters.
Job Overview:
The Civil Attorney position is appointed in accordance with MCA 2-18-104 and represents the State in civil litigation where the State has an interest, typically in cases challenging the constitutionality of State laws, or natural resource issues involving land, water, environmental (ESA, NEPA/MEPA), and Indian law. The bureau also advises other agencies on constitutional issues and litigation strategy.
The incumbent provides legal counsel to the divisions within the Department of Justice, drafts legal opinions for the review and signature of the Attorney General, and reviews administrative rules before publication. The Attorney is responsible for independently handling all phases of complex civil litigation in state and federal district court and on appeal.
Minimum Qualifications:
Special Instructions:
If you have been practicing law for five years or less, please provide a copy of your law school transcript.
You are REQUIRED to attach a cover letter, résumé and a legal writing sample of 3000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last three years at the time of application.
The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé and cover letter, 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:
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume, cover letter, and writing sample 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.
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: May 11, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
The State's Attorney's Office in the Montana Department of Justice is dedicated to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law on behalf of the people of Montana. The office includes the Solicitor General's Office, Criminal Prosecution and Appellate Services, Civil Services and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana's laws as passed by the Legislature, constitutional challenges, determining legal sufficiency of ballot initiatives, prosecution of criminals, handling all phases of litigation from district court proceedings through appeal, and complex litigation of antitrust matters.
Job Overview:
The Civil Attorney position is appointed in accordance with MCA 2-18-104 and represents the State in civil litigation where the State has an interest, typically in cases challenging the constitutionality of State laws, or natural resource issues involving land, water, environmental (ESA, NEPA/MEPA), and Indian law. The bureau also advises other agencies on constitutional issues and litigation strategy.
The incumbent provides legal counsel to the divisions within the Department of Justice, drafts legal opinions for the review and signature of the Attorney General, and reviews administrative rules before publication. The Attorney is responsible for independently handling all phases of complex civil litigation in state and federal district court and on appeal.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor Degree.
- Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
- At least two years of civil litigation or judicial clerkship experience.
- If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Bar Admission Rules
- Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.
- Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Special Instructions:
If you have been practicing law for five years or less, please provide a copy of your law school transcript.
You are REQUIRED to attach a cover letter, résumé and a legal writing sample of 3000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last three years at the time of application.
The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé and cover letter, 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, cover letter, and writing sample 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: May 11, 2026, 11:59:00 PM