Consumer Protection Attorney

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d

About The Position

This is an Attorney position for the Office of Consumer Protection. The Consumer Protection Unit is responsible for a variety of professional investigative, compliance and administrative work related to the Montana Consumer Protection Act, MCA Sections 30-14-101 through 2602, and applicable Montana Rules of Administrative Procedure, including administration and enforcement related to Personal Solicitation Sales; statutory requirements governing Service Warranty Contracts; compliance with the Telephone Solicitation No-Call List; Impediment of Identity Theft (data breaches and data privacy); Regulation of Debt Settlement Providers; the Montana Consumer Debt Management Services Act, and the Montana Telemarketing Registration and Fraud Prevention Act. The Unit fields and processes thousands of inquiries or complaints about fraudulent, fake, unlawful, unfair or deceptive acts or practices of persons and businesses. It ensures compliance with state and federal laws by investigating persons and businesses engaged in unlawful or deceptive acts or practices; conducts informal dispute resolutions; and, if necessary, pursues formal legal enforcement actions to obtain injunctions, restitution to consumers, and civil fines or penalties. The Unit investigates and pursues enforcement of complaints regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Law in Montana by persons not licensed to practice law in the State of Montana. It represents the Tow Truck Resolution Committee, including in formal and informal contested case proceedings subject to the Montana Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA). The position participates in certain multistate working groups to stay abreast of consumer issues affecting Montanans, including with respect to student or consumer debt matters, data privacy, illegal robocalls. The role involves outreach and public education to consumers, county attorneys, and businesses or trade associations (such as contractors, auto dealers and banks or credit unions); creates pamphlets and other published materials; responsible for media interviews; press releases and consumer alerts, public service announcements, and postings on the DOJ’s website and Facebook Page. The position also works with County Attorneys and various trade or business associations and consumer advocacy organizations such as AARP and BBB.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.
• Knowledge of personnel procedures, policies, and management practices and techniques.
• Superior knowledge of sources of Montana law and other applicable law.
• Knowledge of Montana criminal law and procedure, Montana Rules of Civil Procedure and Montana Rules of Evidence.
• Skilled in the use of personal computer and standard office equipment.
• Working knowledge of word processing software, hardware, and databases.
• Skilled at implementing organized and effective work practices.
• Superior advocacy, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, including citation format.

Nice To Haves

• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire.
• At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience, preferably in consumer protection.
• Background in criminal or civil investigations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate persons and businesses engaged in unlawful or deceptive acts or practices.
• Conduct informal dispute resolutions.
• Pursue formal legal enforcement actions to obtain injunctions, restitution to consumers, and civil fines or penalties.
• Investigate and pursue enforcement of complaints regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Law in Montana.
• Represent the Tow Truck Resolution Committee in formal and informal contested case proceedings.
• Participate in multistate working groups to stay abreast of consumer issues.
• Conduct outreach and public education to consumers, county attorneys, and businesses or trade associations.
• Create pamphlets and other published materials.
• Responsible for media interviews, press releases and consumer alerts, public service announcements, and postings on the DOJ’s website and Facebook Page.
• Work with County Attorneys and various trade or business associations and consumer advocacy organizations.

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
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees