Deputy Chief Legal Counsel

State of Montana • Helena, MT

93d • $59 - $59

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Directors Office / Office of Legal Affairs. This position is the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), Department of Public Health and Human Services. The position assists and supports management and supervision of the operations and staff of the Office of Legal Affairs as directed by the Chief Legal Counsel by assisting in management of office workload, budget, and continuing operations in general. Facilitates provision of OLA legal counsel to Department Divisions with tasks such as developing protocols to enable effective interaction and coordination amongst legal staff and program staff; representing the department in litigation; identifying legal developments and trends that may affect strategies and practices of divisions, etc. The position oversees contracting standards, processes, risk and litigation for the department, and manages department litigation assignments as directed by the Chief Legal Counsel. The position directly supervises staff attorneys.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Five to ten years of practical experience in progressively more difficult legal work.
• Two to five years of related managerial experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Montana and federal district courts.
• General knowledge of federal and Montana laws pertaining to administration and delivery of public health and human services.
• Thorough knowledge of Montana and federal constitutional law.
• Thorough knowledge of legal research methods, including use of Lexis, Westlaw, and the Internet.
• Thorough knowledge of civil and administrative procedures, both state and federal.
• Ability to analyze difficult legal issues, conduct appropriate research, and recommend or implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of public sector personnel management and supervision.
• Working knowledge of Montana and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Appellate Procedure, Evidence, Uniform District Court Rules, and Rules of Professional Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support management and supervision of the operations and staff of the Office of Legal Affairs.
• Manage office workload, budget, and continuing operations.
• Facilitate provision of legal counsel to Department Divisions.
• Develop protocols for effective interaction and coordination amongst legal staff and program staff.
• Represent the department in litigation.
• Identify legal developments and trends affecting strategies and practices of divisions.
• Oversee contracting standards, processes, risk, and litigation for the department.
• Manage department litigation assignments.

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: Senior
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree