Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Hamilton, MT

Government

Hamilton, MT

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Hamilton, MT

Attorney

No

Public Defender - Opportunity to Make a Difference in the Community

If you have a passion for justice and a commitment to defending the underprivileged, then the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) may be the perfect place for you. As a Public Defender, you will have the opportunity to work on cases that have a direct impact on the lives of individuals and the community. You will also have the chance to protect constitutional rights and ensure fairness in the legal system.

Organization Overview:

The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has a clear mission - to provide compassionate and expert defense to clients and uphold the principles of the Constitution. Our vision is to create expert teams of advocates for justice, bringing respect and dignity to our clients and achieving holistic and equitable outcomes. We take pride in the work we do and are always striving to improve and provide the best services to our clients. To learn more about OPD, please visit our website.

Why Work for OPD:

Working for OPD means making a difference in the community. Our work has a direct impact on the lives of individuals and helps to ensure a fair and just legal system. In addition, there are many benefits to working for OPD, including:

- The opportunity to live and work in the beautiful state of Montana, with its many recreational opportunities and high-quality educational system.
- Health coverage, retirement plans, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- A healthy work-life balance and flexible schedules.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Telework options (when applicable).
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Required Materials:

To be considered for a position at OPD, applicants must complete an online application and submit the following materials:

- Cover letter
- Resume
- References (2 current or former supervisors and 1 professional peer)
- Supplemental questions (if applicable)

Position Overview:

As a Public Defender, you will serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases. This includes representing clients in court, providing legal defense, preparing legal documents, and interpreting and applying state and federal laws. You will also be expected to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to ensure that needed services are provided and continually advocate for improvements in the services provided by OPD.

Essential Functions:

- Client representation (95%)
- Represent clients in court, during hearings, and before other legal proceedings.
- Provide legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure, or have potential for the death penalty or life in prison.
- Review and prepare legal documents, including opinions, forms, contracts, and other legal agreements.
- Prepare evidence, exhibits, and necessary legal documents for cases.
- Interpret and apply state and federal laws and administrative rules.
- Identify and interview parties, witnesses, and experts involved in legal proceedings.
- Provide consultation, make recommendations, give legal advice, and facilitate legal decisions.
- Assist and collaborate with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
- Other duties as assigned (5%)
- May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law.
- Attend continuing education trainings as required.
- Provide office support as needed.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position may require working in a variety of settings, such as an office or court, and regular visits to jails, detention centers, or mental health facilities. The workload may fluctuate, requiring more than a 40-hour work week, and there may be occasional exposure to stressful situations. Attendance at continuing legal education seminars is necessary to meet Bar requirements. Traveling to attend court, trainings, and provide services to clients may be required up to 40% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

This position requires:

- Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, and practices, with specific reference to indigent defense.
- Familiarity with methods and tactics used in the defense of legal actions in courts.
- Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure in the State of Montana.
- Continuing obligation to stay abreast of changes and developments in the law through legal research.
- Knowledge of relevant titles of the Montana Code Annotated and other relevant rules and regulations.
- Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations and understand cultural differences that may affect the attorney/client relationship.
- Ability to work independently and handle cases with substantial legal precedent.
- Skilled in using standard office equipment, programs, and software.
- Strong organization, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to learn and consistently use the agency's case management system.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
- Ability to research and analyze documents effectively.
- Ability to maintain professionalism when critiqued and discern when to consult with peers.
- Ability to work independently on arguments 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 offer a training assignment, in which employees may be paid below the base pay established by agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $70, - $98, yearly.

Telework Eligibility:

This position may be eligible for telework, with supervisor approval.

Benefits Package Eligibility:

This position is eligible for health insurance, paid leave and holidays, and a retirement plan.

Number of Openings:

There are currently 15 openings for this position.

Employee Status:

This is a regular, full-time position.

Schedule:

This is a standard, day job