Chief Counsel

State of Montana • Helena, MT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Counsel serves as the lead legal advisor to the Department of Military Affairs and is housed in the Director’s Office. This position reports directly to the Department Director and provides comprehensive legal support to the department, including close coordination with the Montana National Guard, other state agencies, and federal partners. As Chief Counsel, you will: Provide legal advice on risk management and regulatory compliance, interpreting state and federal statutes, regulations, and directives and advising leadership on legal exposure and obligations. Lead labor and employment-related legal work, including review of personnel policies, guidance on grievances and disciplinary actions, union and complaint matters, and coordination with JAG, Department of Administration legal counsel, and other attorneys. Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, leases, MOAs/MOUs, land‑use agreements, and other legal instruments to ensure legal sufficiency, appropriate risk allocation, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Support legislative and program-specific activities by tracking and analyzing bills, preparing legal analyses and testimony, and advising on legal issues affecting education, youth, and other departmental programs. Provide legal support to human resources and management staff on internal investigations and dispute resolution, including grievance hearings, union disputes, benefits challenges, and responses to formal records and information requests. The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. 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. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government 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 service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to, and maintenance of licensure with, the State Bar of Montana. Applicants not currently licensed with the State Bar of Montana may still apply provided that they can obtain admission and good standing with the State Bar of Montana within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
• At least two years of specialized law experience that includes lead litigation responsibility.
• Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work and engage in diverse working environments within and outside the Department.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on risk management and regulatory compliance, interpreting state and federal statutes, regulations, and directives and advising leadership on legal exposure and obligations.
• Lead labor and employment-related legal work, including review of personnel policies, guidance on grievances and disciplinary actions, union and complaint matters, and coordination with JAG, Department of Administration legal counsel, and other attorneys.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, leases, MOAs/MOUs, land‑use agreements, and other legal instruments to ensure legal sufficiency, appropriate risk allocation, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support legislative and program-specific activities by tracking and analyzing bills, preparing legal analyses and testimony, and advising on legal issues affecting education, youth, and other departmental programs.
• Provide legal support to human resources and management staff on internal investigations and dispute resolution, including grievance hearings, union disputes, benefits challenges, and responses to formal records and information requests.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior