Public Defender - Fall 2027

State of Montana•Butte, MT

8d•$74,875 - $91,543•Hybrid

About The Position

Public Defenders serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel. Public defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and render competent legal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender including: felony and misdemeanor criminal charges; youth court proceedings; involuntary mental health or developmental disability commitments; representing parents and children in dependent/neglect matters; and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, as described in the Montana Public Defender Act Title 47. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
Membership in the State Bar of Montana

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in criminal defense preferred.

Responsibilities

Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary.
Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison.
Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or other legal agreements.
Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings.
Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases.
Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
Identifies and Interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify.
Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and/or facilitates a resolution.
Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions.
Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent.
Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary.
May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law.
Attends continuing education trainings as required and necessary.
May provide office support as requested or as needed.