Deputy Solicitor General

State of Montana • Helena, MT

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Montana Solicitor General (“OSG”) seeks to hire a Deputy Solicitor General. As the chief litigator for the State of Montana, the Solicitor General oversees the State’s appellate litigation, with particular focus on the United States Supreme Court, Montana Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Solicitor General also oversees the State’s offensive federal litigation against overreaching federal administration policies, as well as the State’s defense of federal constitutional challenges to Montana state laws. OSG positions involve significant litigation responsibility, including managing cases, drafting briefs, and presenting oral arguments. The OSG directly handles cases of complexity and public importance, and it also supervises the State’s robust amicus practice, routinely filing multistate amicus briefs in the United States Supreme Court and in the federal courts of appeal. The OSG also oversees high-stakes trial litigation and advises the Attorney General on high-profile legal issues. The Deputy Solicitor General reports directly to the Solicitor General and supervises assistant solicitors, fellows, and interns.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• At least five years of specialized law and litigation experience.
• Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within six months of hire.
• Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.
• Individuals who have passed the Uniform Bar Exam may be eligible to transfer.
• Bar Admission Rules.
• Commitment to advocating for the interests of the State of Montana.

Nice To Haves

• Judicial clerkship experience preferred.
• Familiarity with and interest in federal constitutional law and statutory interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Developing case strategy, preparing briefs and oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court, Montana Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit, and other federal courts.
• Performing thorough legal research on issues of law.
• Reviewing and drafting multi-state amicus briefs.
• Drafting Attorney General Opinions and federal agency comments.
• Providing legal advice and policy recommendations for the Attorney General.
• Assisting the Solicitor General in the commission of these duties.

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: Senior