Description:
Division Overview:The Central Services Division (CSD) team works in partnership with agency divisions providing coaching on human resource policies and procedures, financial management and adherence to fiscal responsibility. We value and respect our fellow team members across the Montana Department of Justice.
Job Overview:
The Assistant General Counsel will provide support services to other areas of the Department as needed by the General Counsel. These duties include advising on human resources, labor relations, fiscal matters, procurement, and contracts, as well as representing the Department in related legal proceedings.
Responsibilities:
Human Resources and Labor Relations: Assists with advising department management and human resources staff in all areas relating to the hiring, management, discipline, and/or discharge of Department employees. Assists with providing legal counsel on collective bargaining and labor relations matters.
Policy Review and Compliance: Assists with reviews Department HR policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and compliance with state and federal statutory requirements. Updates CSD HR staff on new and anticipated changes in statutes, administrative regulations, and case law, and suggests necessary policy changes.
Fiscal, Budget, and Contract Review: Assists the CSD Fiscal and Budget staff in all areas relating to fiscal, budget, and procurement, including the application of state and federal laws. Reviews, revises, and/or prepares various contracts, service agreements, IT service and support agreements, leases, and other operational documents for legal sufficiency.
Legal Research: Researches questions of law as required and prepares legal opinions, memoranda of conclusions, and reports at the direction of the General Counsel.
Litigation and Representation: Assists in defending the Department in all legal proceedings relating to human resources and labor relations, including but not limited to discrimination claims, disciplinary and/or discharge challenges, and unfair labor practice charges.
Litigation Management: Drafts and files pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery in litigation matters and maintains appropriate scheduling of court or other tribunal appearances. Creates other litigation documents, settlement proposals, and interim letters to the court and all parties. Prepares Department management, staff, and other parties as witnesses for hearings and trials.
Information Management: Drafts legal memoranda and reports. Assists in evaluating and answering all official requests for information, including subpoenas, public information requests, and other inquiries.
This position is open until filled. First review of candidates will be on 10/8/2026.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
- Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
- Two years of specialized law and lead litigation experience.
- If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within a reasonable time. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Bar Admission Rules
- Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.
Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.
Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:
- Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check.
- Driving History
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.
Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.
Your Resume: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.
A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.
Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.
All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service.
To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.
