Appellate Attorney

State of Montana • Helena, MT

7d

About The Position

The Appellate Services Bureau represents the State of Montana in criminal cases that are appealed to the Montana Supreme Court. Appellate Services also handles appeals in dependency and neglect cases resulting in termination of parental rights and appeals in involuntary commitment proceedings. Assistant Attorneys General in Appellate Services are required to handle issues of statutory interpretation and constitutional analysis that have statewide significance. This requires the ability to meticulously review lower court records and transcripts, conduct legal research, and write persuasive briefs advocating for the State’s position. Appellate Services’ Attorneys are also responsible for conducting oral arguments in the Montana Supreme Court when the Court orders a case to be argued In addition, Appellate Services handles complex federal habeas corpus cases in the federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Federal habeas cases sometimes require depositions and evidentiary hearings. Handling federal habeas cases requires knowledge of procedural defenses that are unique to federal habeas litigation, and the ability to work effectively with voluminous case files that sometimes span decades. Federal habeas cases may involve an oral argument in the Ninth Circuit. Attorneys within Appellate Services must have the skills to manage competing deadlines and work independently on their cases. Appellate attorneys collaborate with colleagues and with prosecutors around the State to determine the best strategy to advance the goals of the criminal justice system.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana. If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within a reasonable time. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Bar Admission Rules
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience practicing criminal law in Montana.
• Appellate experience in the Montana Supreme Court and/or federal practice experience.

Responsibilities

• Handle issues of statutory interpretation and constitutional analysis that have statewide significance.
• Meticulously review lower court records and transcripts.
• Conduct legal research.
• Write persuasive briefs advocating for the State’s position.
• Conduct oral arguments in the Montana Supreme Court.
• Handle complex federal habeas corpus cases in the federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Manage competing deadlines and work independently on their cases.
• Collaborate with colleagues and with prosecutors around the State to determine the best strategy to advance the goals of the criminal justice system.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees