Tobacco Attorney

State of Montana•Helena, MT

28d

About The Position

The Tobacco Attorney is part of the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). The position is responsible for diligently enforcing the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), including investigating and prosecuting violations of Montana tobacco laws (MCA §§ 16-11-401 to 16-11-512). The MSA requires tobacco companies to make ongoing payments to states and prohibits specified advertising to children and false claims about the health effects of cigarettes. Continued receipt of substantial settlement funding by Montana depends to a significant extent on diligent enforcement of tobacco laws. The Attorney represents the State of Montana in complex and routine civil litigation in state and federal courts and administrative forums. Matters include the MSA, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, the False Claims Act, unauthorized practice of law, and Montana statutes affecting nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts. The position also participates in multistate examinations, investigations, and litigation concerning the MSA and consumer protection laws through conference calls and working groups. The position supervises the Tobacco Paralegal and reports to the OCP Bureau Chief. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first review scheduled for November 2nd.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.
Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana, or ability to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire if licensed in another state.
Applicants with five years of practice in another state and good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered case by case.
Submit a cover letter, résumé, and legal writing sample of 3,000 words or less, prepared within the last three years at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience, preferably in consumer protection.

Responsibilities

Enforce the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and Montana tobacco laws through investigations and prosecutions.
Represent the State of Montana in civil litigation in state and federal courts and administrative forums.
Handle matters involving the MSA, consumer protection and unfair trade practices, the False Claims Act, unauthorized practice of law, and statutes affecting nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts.
Participate in multistate examinations, investigations, and litigation concerning the MSA and consumer protection laws.
Supervise the Tobacco Paralegal.