Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Havre, MT

Government

Havre, MT

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Havre, MT

Attorney

No

The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the recruitment and selection process or with an employee's ability to perform the essential duties of the job.



Public Defender - Opportunity to Serve and Make a Difference in the Legal System in Montana

Organization: Office of the Public Defender

Salary Information: Training Assignment Wage - $70,, After Licensure - $84,

Experience Required: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, Membership in the State Bar of Montana

Locations: Butte, Billings, Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Polson, Havre, Lewistown, Hamilton, Bozeman, Great Falls

Benefits: Health Coverage, Retirement Plans, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Work/Life Balance, Flexible Schedules, Opportunities for Professional Growth, Telework (when applicable), Public Service Loan Forgiveness

About the Organization:

- Mission: To provide the most compassionate and expert defense of clients and the Constitution.
- Vision: Creating expert teams of advocates for justice, bringing respect and dignity to our clients to achieve holistic and equitable outcomes.
- Proud of the work we do, making a difference for the people in our communities.
- Visit our website for more information.

Reasons to Work for the Office of the Public Defender:

- Work that changes lives and makes a difference in our communities.
- Protect constitutional rights and ensure a fair legal system.
- Opportunity to work and live in the beautiful state of Montana, with access to outdoor activities and a high-quality educational system.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Work/life balance and flexible schedules.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Job Overview:

The Public Defender serves as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases in the state of Montana. The position requires a passion and commitment to working with underprivileged populations and ensuring that needed services are provided. The Public Defender must have a willingness to work collaboratively and strive for continuous improvement in the services provided to clients.

Essential Functions:

- Client Representation (95%)
- 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.
- Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
- Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved in legal proceedings.
- Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary for litigation.
- Handles cases with substantial legal precedent and analyzes new laws.
- Provides legal advice, settlement negotiations, and facilitates legal decisions.
- Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law.
- Other duties as assigned (5%).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

- Work in a variety of settings, such as an office, court, or detention center.
- Regular visits to jails, detention centers, or mental health facilities.
- Occasional exposure to stressful situations.
- Attendance of continuing legal education seminars.
- Travel to attend court, trainings, and provide services to clients (up to 40% of the time).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, and practices related to indigent defense.
- Familiarity with methods and tactics used in the defense of legal actions in court.
- Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure in Montana.
- Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations.
- Strong organization, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to learn and understand the agency's case management system.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
- Ability to effectively research and analyze documents.
- 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Previous experience in criminal defense.

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:

Training Assignment Wage - $70,, After Licensure - $84,

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:

15

Employee Status:

Regular

Schedule:

Full-Time

Job Type:

Standard

Shift:

Day Job

Travel:

Yes, 50% of the time

Primary Location:

Butte

Other Locations:

Billings, Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Polson, Havre, Lewistown, Hamilton, Bozeman, Great Falls

Agency:

Office of Public Defender

Union:

American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Posting Date:

Oct 1, 2024, 7:38:56 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone):

Ongoing

Required Application Materials:

Cover Letter, Resume, References



The State of Montana is an equal opportunity employer and 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