Child Protection Attorney

State of Montana•Bozeman, MT

About The Position

The Child Protection Attorney works in the State’s Attorney’s Office within the Montana Department of Justice, providing assistance with child abuse and neglect matters to county attorneys’ offices across Montana. The position independently handles all phases of simple and complex civil cases involving child abuse and neglect in district courts, including assessing facts, conducting legal research and writing, preparing legal documents, and presenting testimony and argument. The attorney also provides training to county attorneys, Montana Department of Health and Human Services Child and Family Services employees, and other stakeholders in dependency and neglect cases. The position works with a team of attorneys and support staff on cases, projects, and training. The preferred locations are Helena, Bozeman, Butte, and Great Falls; other locations will be considered. The position is open until filled, with the first review of candidates scheduled for 11/24/2026. Applicants must attach a résumé, cover letter, and a legal writing sample of 5,000 words or less, prepared within the previous five years. Selection may include résumé and cover-letter review, a structured interview, a performance test, academic transcripts, reference and background checks, and fingerprint checks. Successful applicants are subject to criminal history checks and a driving history check.

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, or ability to become licensed to practice law in Montana within a reasonable time if licensed in another state.
Applicants licensed in another state with five years of practice in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered case by case.
Submit a résumé, cover letter, and legal writing sample of 5,000 words or less, prepared within the last five years.
Successful applicants are subject to criminal history fingerprint/name-based checks and a driving history check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with case prosecution and/or representing the State, parents, or a child in Dependency and Neglect cases.

Responsibilities

Assist county attorneys’ offices across the state with child abuse and neglect matters.
Independently handle all phases of simple and complex civil child abuse and neglect cases in district courts.
Assess case facts, conduct legal research and writing, and prepare legal documents.
Present testimony and legal arguments orally.
Provide training to county attorneys, employees of Montana Department of Health and Human Services Child and Family Services, and other dependency and neglect case stakeholders.
Work with a team of attorneys and support staff on cases, projects, and training.