Tobacco Attorney

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d

About The Position

The Tobacco Attorney is part of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and is responsible for diligently enforcing the 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (MSA), including investigations and prosecutions of Montana’s tobacco laws. The MSA requires tobacco companies to make payments to states in perpetuity, and prohibits tobacco companies from advertising to children, and from making false claims about the health effects of cigarettes. The MSA requires each state to diligently enforce certain tobacco laws. The MSA brings substantial funding to the State, in recent years between $27 and $33 million per year, continued receipt of which is, to a significant extent, dependent on tobacco law enforcement. The Attorney represents the State of Montana in complex and routine civil litigation in state and federal courts, and in administrative forums. These cases are extremely diverse, and include, but are not limited to, the following: the MSA, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, the False Claims Act, the unauthorized practice of law, and Montana statutes which affect non-profit corporations, and charitable trusts. The Attorney participates in multi-state examination, investigation, and litigation enforcing the MSA and consumer protection laws through conference calls and working groups.

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.
• If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire.
• Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Diligently enforcing the 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (MSA), including investigations and prosecutions of Montana’s tobacco laws.
• Representing the State of Montana in complex and routine civil litigation in state and federal courts, and in administrative forums.
• Participating in multi-state examination, investigation, and litigation enforcing the MSA and consumer protection laws through conference calls and working groups.
• Supervising the Tobacco Paralegal.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree