Chief Legal Counsel

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships built on mutual trust and respect. We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed.

What is this career opportunity?

The Department of Administration serves state government by providing critical business operation services. These services include enterprise information technology; workforce strategies, benefits, and systems; treasury and financial processes; procurement and contracting processes; new construction and facilities management; and protection of assets/resources through our insurance programs. That?s not all! Beyond our internal operations support to state agencies-we regulate banks and financial institutions; and administer the ConnectMT program, which awards funding to qualified entities to expand broadband services to the citizens of Montana.

The Chief Legal Counsel of the Department of Administration reports to the Director of the Department, serves on the Department?s leadership team, assists and advises other agencies, and supervises seven specialist attorneys in legal topics such as: procurement, construction, human resources, public records, etc. This role serves to provide legal guidance in matters of significance that have particular impact on guiding enterprise decisions within state government. In this capacity, the successful incumbent will work directly with a wide range of state government leadership, including elected and appointed officials, to ensure effective operations within the Executive Branch of Montana State Government.

The ideal candidate in this role will be comfortable advising on matters involving significant legal risk, proposing alternatives, and accepting direction given by elected and appointed officials. Legal advice must be strategic in nature while taking into account elements of decisions that can have particular impact on critical matters affecting the citizens of the State of Montana.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Montana. Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as required; AND
• A minimum of five years' experience providing legal advice and representation on a breadth of topics that can have particular impact on significant business decisions.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preference will be given to candidates with specific experience in:

• Policy development and review;
• Responding to lawsuits, engaging in litigation, and supervising outside counsel;
• Working with elected officials to advise on legal outcomes and guide decision making; and
• Supervising attorneys and legal support staff.

Competencies:

Knowledge of or ability to learn:

• Federal and Montana Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure; the Uniform District Court Rules and local rules; the Federal and Montana Rules of Evidence; and the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Drafting and amending legislation and administrative rules;
• Legislative procedures and advocacy;
• The Montana Administrative Procedure Act;
• Data privacy laws, requirements, and processes;
• Public sector procurement laws, requirements, and processes;
• Montana public records laws and cases interpreting them; and
• Courtroom practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Effectively operate in a dynamic legal and political environment;
• Work with all levels of dynamic leadership within the Executive Branch, including the Governor?s Office and Cabinet level agencies, and the Legislative Branch;
• Efficiently analyze case law and conduct legal research;
• Organize and prioritize work to meet required deadlines;
• Establish and maintain effective and good working relationships with others and be customer-service oriented; and
• Exercise sound judgment in the analysis, review, and handling of assigned work and cases from beginning to end.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter.

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work? Benefits include:

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• And more?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) ? Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.