Montana
To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.
This position is open until filled with frequent screenings.
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! OPD’s work 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. 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 public service loan forgiveness. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more! Materials Required of Applicants: Cover Letter Resume References: Please provide contact information for two current or former supervisors and one professional peer. Job Opportunity
Job Overview:
Managing Attorneys ensure that effective and efficient legal services are rendered for clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender by providing guidance, leadership and day-to-day supervision to Public Defenders within an assigned office or Region. This position’s responsibilities involve establishing office protocols, ensuring that public defender assignments within the Public Defender Office comply with the provisions of MCA 47-1-202(7); contracts for services as provided in MCA 47-1-216; keeps records of public defender and associated services of Office expenses; and implements the standards and procedures established by management. In addition to supervision and management of staff and office procedures, this position will also be required to carry a caseload representing indigent clients in a variety of cases. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to ensure that needed services are provided and continually advocate to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients. Essential Functions
The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: A. Client Representation (65%)
Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison Reviews and prepares legal documents including opinions, forms, contracts and other legal agreements Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and facilitates a resolution Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and facilitates legal decisions Provides assistance and collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise and provide training and guidance as necessary
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards and procedures and ensures work and caseloads comply with policy, procedures and/or statute, such as time keeping, case opening and assignment requirements Ensures timely pleadings, motions, appeals, case preparation, scheduling, and follow-up by Public Defenders Directs, coordinates and supervises work and activities; provides leadership, advice and training and evaluates the work and performance of Public Defenders Responsible for hiring, discipline and firing of Public Defenders within assigned offices Liaises with County Attorneys, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies to coordinate case activity and disposition In consultation with the Regional Public Defender, investigates complaints and grievances from clients and recommends resolution; represents the Office in disputes with law enforcement, County Attorneys, and judicial offices regarding policies and procedures Participates in the development of operational plans and directives to meet agency needs; develops recommendations to enhance operations and services Approves office expenses as delegated and assists with budgeting
C. Other duties as assigned (5%)
May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law Attends continuing education trainings, workshops or conferences as necessary or required May provide office support as requested or as needed Provides coverage as Regional Deputy Defender as needed
Physical and Environmental Demands:
This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court 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 may involve exposure to stressful situations. Attendance at 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: This position requires: Extensive knowledge of the Public Defender arena, roles and duties of court-appointed counsel, and general knowledge of business applications including human resource management, financial management, and budget processes. Legal and court policies, procedures, practices, and their application with particular emphasis on indigent defense. State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents. Methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts. Extensive knowledge of substantive 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, including using agency-endorsed legal research programs. Knowledge of Titles 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87, and related Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures and other provisions. Understanding of guardianship and conservatorship, mental health terminology, and how these affect client communications. Knowledge of various types of pleas and youth services and community resources. Principles and practices of evidence collection and general legal principles and the powers, functions and duties of the Public Defender office. Skill and Ability to: Work effectively with marginalized populations disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system in Montana. Be sensitive to cultural differences affecting attorney-client relationships. Provide strong leadership and direction. Handle highly sensitive public, political and agency issues. Assess hypothetical situations and impacts; develop unified strategies and make decisions under stress. Analyze complex legal documents and present evidence clearly in written and oral form. Lead a complex organization through planning, delegation and leadership; supervise Public Defenders, Investigators and Case Managers. Resolve complex management problems and meet time-sensitive deadlines. Learn and utilize the agency case management system. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school Membership in the State Bar of Montana Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preferred: Previous experience in criminal defense preferred Demonstrates responsible leadership skills to direct a complex organization through planning and delegation to manage, supervise and utilize the skills of attorneys to meet the needs of the Public Defender System.
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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! OPD’s work 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. 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 public service loan forgiveness. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more! Materials Required of Applicants: Cover Letter Resume References: Please provide contact information for two current or former supervisors and one professional peer. Job Opportunity
Job Overview:
Managing Attorneys ensure that effective and efficient legal services are rendered for clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender by providing guidance, leadership and day-to-day supervision to Public Defenders within an assigned office or Region. This position’s responsibilities involve establishing office protocols, ensuring that public defender assignments within the Public Defender Office comply with the provisions of MCA 47-1-202(7); contracts for services as provided in MCA 47-1-216; keeps records of public defender and associated services of Office expenses; and implements the standards and procedures established by management. In addition to supervision and management of staff and office procedures, this position will also be required to carry a caseload representing indigent clients in a variety of cases. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to ensure that needed services are provided and continually advocate to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients. Essential Functions
The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: A. Client Representation (65%)
Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison Reviews and prepares legal documents including opinions, forms, contracts and other legal agreements Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and facilitates a resolution Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and facilitates legal decisions Provides assistance and collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise and provide training and guidance as necessary
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards and procedures and ensures work and caseloads comply with policy, procedures and/or statute, such as time keeping, case opening and assignment requirements Ensures timely pleadings, motions, appeals, case preparation, scheduling, and follow-up by Public Defenders Directs, coordinates and supervises work and activities; provides leadership, advice and training and evaluates the work and performance of Public Defenders Responsible for hiring, discipline and firing of Public Defenders within assigned offices Liaises with County Attorneys, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies to coordinate case activity and disposition In consultation with the Regional Public Defender, investigates complaints and grievances from clients and recommends resolution; represents the Office in disputes with law enforcement, County Attorneys, and judicial offices regarding policies and procedures Participates in the development of operational plans and directives to meet agency needs; develops recommendations to enhance operations and services Approves office expenses as delegated and assists with budgeting
C. Other duties as assigned (5%)
May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law Attends continuing education trainings, workshops or conferences as necessary or required May provide office support as requested or as needed Provides coverage as Regional Deputy Defender as needed
Physical and Environmental Demands:
This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court 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 may involve exposure to stressful situations. Attendance at 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: This position requires: Extensive knowledge of the Public Defender arena, roles and duties of court-appointed counsel, and general knowledge of business applications including human resource management, financial management, and budget processes. Legal and court policies, procedures, practices, and their application with particular emphasis on indigent defense. State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents. Methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts. Extensive knowledge of substantive 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, including using agency-endorsed legal research programs. Knowledge of Titles 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87, and related Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures and other provisions. Understanding of guardianship and conservatorship, mental health terminology, and how these affect client communications. Knowledge of various types of pleas and youth services and community resources. Principles and practices of evidence collection and general legal principles and the powers, functions and duties of the Public Defender office. Skill and Ability to: Work effectively with marginalized populations disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system in Montana. Be sensitive to cultural differences affecting attorney-client relationships. Provide strong leadership and direction. Handle highly sensitive public, political and agency issues. Assess hypothetical situations and impacts; develop unified strategies and make decisions under stress. Analyze complex legal documents and present evidence clearly in written and oral form. Lead a complex organization through planning, delegation and leadership; supervise Public Defenders, Investigators and Case Managers. Resolve complex management problems and meet time-sensitive deadlines. Learn and utilize the agency case management system. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school Membership in the State Bar of Montana Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preferred: Previous experience in criminal defense preferred Demonstrates responsible leadership skills to direct a complex organization through planning and delegation to manage, supervise and utilize the skills of attorneys to meet the needs of the Public Defender System.
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