Chief Legal Counsel

State of Montana • Helena, MT

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks a highly accomplished and visionary legal executive to serve as its Chief Legal Officer. This critical executive leadership role oversees all legal affairs for DPHHS, provides strategic legal counsel to the Director and executive leadership, and ensures the department’s compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The Chief Legal Officer leads the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), a robust team of 18 attorneys and 10 administrative support professionals. This position requires exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of public health and human services law, and the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes while driving positive outcomes for Montana’s citizens. As a key member of the DPHHS Executive Team, the Chief Legal Officer will play an integral role in shaping departmental policy, mitigating risk, and advancing the agency's mission.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Eight years of practical experience in law.
• Three years of significant management experience.
• Admission to practice law in Montana, or admission within one year from the date of hire.
• Ability to analyze difficult legal issues, conduct appropriate research, and recommend or implement effective solutions.
• Skilled in leadership, negotiating, dispute resolution, decision-making, planning, goal setting, plan execution, continuous process improvement, and monitoring progress toward goals.
• Knowledge of Montana federal and constitutional law, legal research methods, civil and administrative procedures, both state and federal.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all legal affairs for DPHHS.
• Provides strategic legal counsel to the Director and executive leadership.
• Ensures the department’s compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Leads the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), a team of 18 attorneys and 10 administrative support professionals.
• Shapes departmental policy.
• Mitigates risk.
• Advances the agency's mission.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Work/life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree