Lawyer 2

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry is hiring attorneys to serve as Agency Counsel on its litigation and transactions teams. The role involves representing the department and professional licensing boards, drafting rules and contracts, and advising on legal and regulatory matters. Applicants must hold a Juris Doctorate, be admitted to the Montana Bar and Federal District Courts, and submit a resume and cover letter indicating team preference. DLI is recruiting attorneys to join its transactions team and its litigation team. Please indicate in your cover letter which team you are interested in joining—or if you are open to either. As Agency Counsel you will represent DLI and professional licensing boards. Duties for the litigation team include: Representing DLI and professional licensing boards during all stages of administrative proceedings including board disciplinary and adjudication panels, contested case hearings, injunctive actions, district court judicial review, and Montana Supreme Court appellate review. Representing DLI in employment disputes, including wage and hour, prevailing wage, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and human rights. Duties for the transactions team include: Drafting and reviewing administrative rules for DLI and its attached boards. Representing DLI and the quasi-judicial functions of its attached boards. Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and enforcing contracts. Policy research and legislative drafting. State and federal compliance reviews for DLI programs. Occasional representation of DLI or its boards in appropriate litigation before administrative tribunals and the courts. Providing day-to-day advice for DLI boards and programs.

Requirements

Communication and collaboration Delivers clear, concise written and verbal communication tailored to legal, legislative, and public audiences, including courts, board members, legislators, Department staff, and Montana citizens. Builds productive working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to support the Department’s objectives and resolve issues collaboratively.
Legal analysis and problem solving Identifies, researches, and analyzes complex legal issues to develop practical, defensible recommendations and action plans. Leads or contributes to the development of strategies to resolve legal and regulatory problems, ensuring alignment with the Department’s mission and statutory authority.
Regulatory and procedural expertise Applies working knowledge of administrative, litigation, and legislative procedures in preparing, reviewing, and presenting legal and regulatory matters. Interprets and applies relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, and constitutional provisions to support Department programs and decision-making.
Board advising and regulatory judgment Advises regulatory boards on policies, rules, and decisions that promote fair and safe delivery of professional services to the public. Exercises sound legal and regulatory judgment to balance public protection with avoiding unnecessary or unfair burdens on Montana’s professional workforce.
This position requires a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and admittance to the Montana Bar and Federal District Courts.

Responsibilities

Representing DLI and professional licensing boards during all stages of administrative proceedings including board disciplinary and adjudication panels, contested case hearings, injunctive actions, district court judicial review, and Montana Supreme Court appellate review.
Representing DLI in employment disputes, including wage and hour, prevailing wage, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and human rights.
Drafting and reviewing administrative rules for DLI and its attached boards.
Representing DLI and the quasi-judicial functions of its attached boards.
Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and enforcing contracts.
Policy research and legislative drafting.
State and federal compliance reviews for DLI programs.
Occasional representation of DLI or its boards in appropriate litigation before administrative tribunals and the courts.
Providing day-to-day advice for DLI boards and programs.

Benefits

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity!
Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling.
Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters.
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% - 9.07% 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% an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)