Montana Jobs

/To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials./* / /* / /* *_Our Mission_ To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution * * _Our Vision_ Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes /* /* _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. * Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website HERE.* * *_Benefits of working for OPD:_ 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 theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state. Other fantastic benefits include:* * *Health Coverage * Retirement plans * Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays * Work/life balance * Flexible schedules * Opportunities and room for professional growth * Telework (when applicable) * Public Service Loan Forgiveness- *Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more! *_Materials Required of Applicants: _ * Cover Letter * Resume * References: */Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer./// * *Supplemental questions (if applicable) About this Opportunity! * * Job Overview: Public Defendersserve as a defense attorney for indigent clientsand other persons incriminal andcivil cases who are entitled by law toassistanceofcounsel. Public defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and rendercompetentlegal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender including: felony and misdemeanor criminal charges; youth court proceedings; involuntary mental health or developmental disability commitments; representing parents and children independent/neglect matters; and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, as described in the Montana Public Defender Act Title 47 http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0470/chapters_index.html. Public Defendersmusthave a passion,commitment, and willingness to workcollaborativelywith underprivileged populationsto, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocateand strive to improve the level of servicesOPDprovides to its clients. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: 1. ClientRepresentation(95%) * Representsclients in court,duringhearingsor before otherlegal proceedings andgovernment entities; includescases at the Montana SupremeCourtas necessary. * Provides legal defense incasesthat may be high-profile, involve significantliabilityexposure ordeath penalty, life in prison. * Reviewsand prepareslegal documentsincluding but not limited toopinions, forms, contractsand/orother legal agreements. * Preparesappropriate findingsof fact, conclusions of law, orders afterappropriate legalproceedings. * Preparesevidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases. * Interpretsand appliesstate and federal laws and administrative rules. * IdentifiesandInterviewsparties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedingsand prepares parties to testify. * Receives, researches, and respondsto questions or complaints; providesinformation, explainspolicy and procedure, and/orfacilitatesa resolution. * Providesconsultation, make recommendations, giveappropriate legaladvice, settlement negotiations, and/orfacilitateslegal decisions. * Provides assistanceand/or collaborateswith other attorneys during trialsand hearings. * Handlescases with substantial legal precedentas well as analyzes, interprets, and advisesabout new laws that have no case precedent. * Servesasalegal advisor across multiple fields oflaw; maydevelopexpertisein specific fields of law andprovide training andguidanceas necessary. Other duties as assigned(5%) * May serve asaprincipal legal advisor in aspecificfield of law. * Attends continuing education trainings asrequired andnecessary. * May provide office support as requested or as needed. Physical and Environmental Demands: This positionworks ina variety of settingssuch as an office or court, setting and has regularvisitsto jails, detention centers or mental health facilities. Fluctuationof workload may require more than a40-hourwork weekand requires occasional exposure to stressful situations.Attendanceofcontinuing legal education seminars to meet Bar requirementsis necessary.Depending on location,travelto attend court, trainings and provide services to clients is common,whichcould beup to40% of the time. Knowledge,Skillsand Abilities: This position requires: * Knowledge oflegal and court policies, procedures,practicesand their application withparticular referenceto indigent defense. * State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents. * Familiarity of methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts. * Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure and its application in the State of Montana. * Continuing obligation to stay abreast of changes and developments in the law with legalresearch; includinglearning and using the agency endorsed legal research program. * Knowledge of Titles 40 (Uniform Parentage Act),41 (Montana Youth Court Act) (Child Abuse and Neglect), 45 (Crimes), 46 (Criminal Procedure),47 (Access toLegalServices),53 (Mental Disorder),61 (MotorVehicles), 87 (Fish andWildlife), MontanaCode Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures, and other title provisions. * Classification of mental disorders and the ability to read and understand medical terminology related to mental disorders, developmental disabilities, chemicaldependenceand alcoholism, and how a particular mental disorder, developmental disability, chemicaldependenceor alcoholism will affect client communications and should recognize that communications may require special efforts on the part of counsel. * Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations, who are disproportionatelyimpactedby the criminal justice system in Montana. * Ability tounderstandandbesensitivetocultural differences that may affect the attorney/client relationship and communications. Statutory requirements governing guardianship and conservatorship in thejurisdictionas well as case law and court rules;various typesof pleas that may be agreed to; services available to youth, minors; as well as mental health and social services that may be available in the community. Skilledin use ofstandardoffice equipment,programsand software. Strongorganization, time management, andoralwritten communicationskills. Ability to learn,understand and consistentlyutilizethe agency case management system. Ability toestablishand maintain effective relationship with others. Ability to learn and understand the principles and practices of evidence collection. Abilitytoeffectively research and analyzedocuments. Able tomaintainprofessionalism when critiqued. Ability to discern when to consult with peers to avoid unnecessary research or argument. Ability to work independently on arguments with multiple issues. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: * Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, * Membership in the State Bar of Montana Preferred: * Previousexperience in criminal defense preferred. *Title: *Attorney- Conflict Defender- Bozeman Location: Bozeman Requisition ID: 24141231

Montana Jobs