Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Polson, MT

Government

Polson, MT

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Polson, MT

Attorney

No

Additionally, retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation is prohibited.

The Office of the Public Defender is looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Public Defender. The Public Defender will serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases, representing clients in court and providing legal defense in cases that may be high-profile or involve significant liability exposure. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school and be a member of the State Bar of Montana.

Salary Information:

- Candidates who are not licensed in the State of Montana as of their start date will be paid at a training assignment wage of $70,.
- Upon licensure by the State Bar of Montana, new attorneys will be paid an annualized wage of $84,.
- Other benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Telework may be an option, and employment with the State of Montana may qualify for public service loan forgiveness.

Experience Information:

- Previous experience in criminal defense is preferred.
- The Public Defender must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations.
- They must also have the ability to work effectively with marginalized populations, who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system in Montana.

Reasons to Work for the Office of the Public Defender:

- Our work changes lives! The work OPD does, makes a difference for the people in our communities.
- We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website.
- The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers a high-quality educational system, theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, and many recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Essential Functions:

- Represent clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities.
- Provide legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison.
- Review and prepare legal documents including opinions, forms, contracts, and other legal agreements.
- Prepare appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders after legal proceedings.
- Prepare evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases.
- Interpret and apply state and federal laws and administrative rules.
- Identify and interview parties, witnesses, and experts involved in legal proceedings and prepare them to testify.
- Receive, research, and respond to questions or complaints.
- Provide consultation, make recommendations, give legal advice, and facilitate legal decisions.
- Assist and collaborate with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
- Handle cases with substantial legal precedent and analyze and interpret new laws.
- Serve as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

- This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court, setting and has regular visits to jails, detention centers or mental health facilities.
- Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations.
- Attendance of continuing legal education seminars to meet Bar requirements is necessary.
- Depending on location, travel to attend court, trainings and provide services to clients is common, which could be up to 40% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, and their application with particular reference to indigent defense.
- Familiarity with methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts.
- Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure in the State of Montana.
- Continuing obligation to stay abreast of changes and developments in the law with legal research.
- Knowledge of various titles of the Montana Code Annotated and other title provisions.
- Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations.
- Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences.
- Ability to work independently and with multiple issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
- Membership in the State Bar of Montana.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment:

- This agency may use a training assignment.
- Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules.
- Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

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.

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. Additionally, retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation is prohibited.

Join the Office of the Public Defender and make a difference in the lives of those in our communities. Apply now and start your journey with us in Summer/Fall of 2025!