Munro Footwear Group
Overview
Job Description - Managing Public Defender (25142102)
Position Title: Managing Public Defender - ( 25142102 )
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.
Health coverage
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Work/life balance
Opportunities and room for professional growth
References:
Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.
About this 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; conducts record keeping of public defender and associated services of Office expenses and Implements the standards and procedures established by management. In addition to the supervision and management of staff and office procedures this position will also be required to carry a caseload that will require representing indigent clients in a variety of cases. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides 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:
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 but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or 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/or facilitates a resolution
Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions
Provides assistance and/or 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 in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards and procedures and ensures that work and caseloads comply with policy, procedures and/or statute, such as, time keeping, case opening and assignment requirements
Ensures appropriate and timeliness of pleadings, motions, appeals, case preparation, scheduling, and follow-up by Public Defenders
Directing, coordinating and supervising 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
Serves as the Public Defender's liaison with the County Attorney's Office, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies within assigned office locations to coordinate criminal and misdemeanor case activity and disposition
In consultation with the Regional Public Defender, investigates complaints and grievances from disgruntled clients and recommends appropriate resolution of problems; represents Office of the Public Defender in disputes that arise with law enforcement agencies, County Attorneys, and judicial offices regarding policies and procedures
Participates in the development of operational plans, goals and directives to meet agency needs and develops recommendations for enhancing the operations and services of the Office of the Public Defender by identifying costs, timing and other potential key issues; recommends appropriate course of action with the Regional Deputy Public Defender
Approves office expenses as delegated by the Regional Public Defender 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, 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 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 learning and consistently utilizing the agency endorsed legal research program.
Knowledge of Titles 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87 of the Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures and other title provisions.
Classification of mental disorders and ability to read and understand medical terminology related to mental disorders and how they affect client communications; recognize communications may require special efforts.
Statutory requirements governing guardianship and conservatorship; case law and court rules.
Various types of pleas; services available to youth, minors; mental health and social services that may be available in the community.
Principles and practices of evidence collection; general legal principles and their applications; powers, functions and duties of the Public Defender office.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations;
Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences;
Provide strong leadership and direction;
Deal effectively with highly sensitive public, political and agency specific issues;
Assess hypothetical situations and impacts; consolidate a unified strategy;
Make proper decisions in stressful situations; analyze and solve complex problems;
Prepare and supervise legal documents under time-sensitive deadlines;
Carry out legal research and present evidence clearly;
Direct a complex organization through planning, delegation and leadership;
Motivate and supervise Public Defenders, Investigators and Case Managers;
Manage and solve complex management problems;
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 effective planning and delegation to manage, supervise and utilize the skills of attorneys to meet the needs of the Public Defender System.
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.
Salary 110,873.22 Yearly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time
Primary Location: Butte
Agency: Office of Public Defender
Union: 000 - None
Posting Date: Sep 11, 2025, 4:43:21 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing
Required Application Materials Cover Letter, Resume, References
Contact Name: Margaret McNivens | Email: Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov | Phone: 4064445374
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. 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 on the basis of 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.
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Position Title: Managing Public Defender - ( 25142102 )
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.
Health coverage
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Work/life balance
Opportunities and room for professional growth
References:
Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.
About this 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; conducts record keeping of public defender and associated services of Office expenses and Implements the standards and procedures established by management. In addition to the supervision and management of staff and office procedures this position will also be required to carry a caseload that will require representing indigent clients in a variety of cases. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides 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:
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 but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or 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/or facilitates a resolution
Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions
Provides assistance and/or 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 in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards and procedures and ensures that work and caseloads comply with policy, procedures and/or statute, such as, time keeping, case opening and assignment requirements
Ensures appropriate and timeliness of pleadings, motions, appeals, case preparation, scheduling, and follow-up by Public Defenders
Directing, coordinating and supervising 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
Serves as the Public Defender's liaison with the County Attorney's Office, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies within assigned office locations to coordinate criminal and misdemeanor case activity and disposition
In consultation with the Regional Public Defender, investigates complaints and grievances from disgruntled clients and recommends appropriate resolution of problems; represents Office of the Public Defender in disputes that arise with law enforcement agencies, County Attorneys, and judicial offices regarding policies and procedures
Participates in the development of operational plans, goals and directives to meet agency needs and develops recommendations for enhancing the operations and services of the Office of the Public Defender by identifying costs, timing and other potential key issues; recommends appropriate course of action with the Regional Deputy Public Defender
Approves office expenses as delegated by the Regional Public Defender 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, 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 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 learning and consistently utilizing the agency endorsed legal research program.
Knowledge of Titles 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87 of the Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures and other title provisions.
Classification of mental disorders and ability to read and understand medical terminology related to mental disorders and how they affect client communications; recognize communications may require special efforts.
Statutory requirements governing guardianship and conservatorship; case law and court rules.
Various types of pleas; services available to youth, minors; mental health and social services that may be available in the community.
Principles and practices of evidence collection; general legal principles and their applications; powers, functions and duties of the Public Defender office.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations;
Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences;
Provide strong leadership and direction;
Deal effectively with highly sensitive public, political and agency specific issues;
Assess hypothetical situations and impacts; consolidate a unified strategy;
Make proper decisions in stressful situations; analyze and solve complex problems;
Prepare and supervise legal documents under time-sensitive deadlines;
Carry out legal research and present evidence clearly;
Direct a complex organization through planning, delegation and leadership;
Motivate and supervise Public Defenders, Investigators and Case Managers;
Manage and solve complex management problems;
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 effective planning and delegation to manage, supervise and utilize the skills of attorneys to meet the needs of the Public Defender System.
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.
Salary 110,873.22 Yearly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time
Primary Location: Butte
Agency: Office of Public Defender
Union: 000 - None
Posting Date: Sep 11, 2025, 4:43:21 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing
Required Application Materials Cover Letter, Resume, References
Contact Name: Margaret McNivens | Email: Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov | Phone: 4064445374
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. 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 on the basis of 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr