Criminal Prosecutor

State of Montana•Helena, MT

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

Help protect Montana’s workforce system and ensure public funds are used lawfully and responsibly. This role offers experienced criminal litigators the opportunity to apply their courtroom skills in a focused, mission-driven environment. You will contribute directly to maintaining trust in the unemployment insurance system while growing your expertise in fraud enforcement and public service law. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Legal Services unit within the Montana Department of Labor & Industry provides legal guidance and enforcement support to uphold state workforce laws and programs. This position serves as a dedicated Unemployment Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, responsible for leading criminal enforcement actions related to UI fraud. The role manages a full caseload from referral through resolution and works closely with investigators, program staff, and external partners. This position supports the division’s goals by ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound enforcement of fraud statutes.

Requirements

Criminal litigation expertise: Apply advanced courtroom skills, including motion practice, evidentiary hearings, and witness examination.
Legal research and writing: Analyze legal issues and produce clear, well-supported written arguments and court documents.
Regulatory analysis and application: Interpret and apply Montana criminal statutes and related legal standards to complex fraud cases.
Independent case management: Manage a full caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, and make sound prosecutorial decisions.
Collaboration and partnership: Work effectively with investigators, attorneys, and external justice partners to advance cases.
Analytical problem-solving: Evaluate financial and factual evidence to build strong, legally sound cases.
Professional judgment and ethics: Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and uphold high ethical standards in public service.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Montana, or eligible for admission within a reasonable timeframe.
Demonstrated experience in criminal litigation, including trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and case resolution.
Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, and legal standards in complex or high-stakes matters.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting legal arguments and explaining complex issues to varied audiences.
Experience managing sensitive or confidential information with sound judgment and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Must be able to pass a background check.
A degree in law is required for this position. Equivalent combinations of relevant legal experience and demonstrated competencies may be considered where applicable.

Responsibilities

Evaluate case referrals: Reviews investigative findings and determines whether criminal prosecution is appropriate under Montana law.
Lead criminal prosecutions: Manages all phases of prosecution, including charging decisions, motion practice, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and appeals.
Draft legal pleadings: Prepares and argues complaints, information, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
Collaborate on investigations: Partners with investigators and program staff to develop cases, gather evidence, and prepare witnesses.
Analyze financial evidence: Interprets complex wage, benefit, and financial records to establish fraud and support restitution outcomes.
Coordinate with partners: Works with the Montana Department of Justice, county attorneys, and law enforcement agencies on case strategy and prosecution.
Provide legal guidance: Advises and trains agency staff on fraud detection, legal standards, and evidentiary requirements.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory 2%25 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)