Closing Date: 28th May, 2026
Description:
Why live in Helena, Montana?Helena is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains and is tucked below the Continental Divide.
It is a relatively quiet place to call home where small-town living collides with outdoor adventure.
Helena has a rich history and was originally founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush.
It's also the state capital and a legal hub, offering a strong community of public-service attorneys, courts, and state agencies, all with short commutes and quick access to trails, lakes, and ski areas after work.
Learn more about moving to and/or living in Helena, Montana here.
Why should you keep reading and consider working here?
We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana for the Montana Tax Appeal Board (MTAB). Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships, built on mutual trust and respect. We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed.
Here are a few highlights about working here:
Flexibility within a 40-hour workweek (no billable hours)
Meaningful public-service impact on taxpayers, local governments, and businesses across Montana.
Daily use of research and writing skills, with direct feedback from experienced administrative law judges.
Who We Are:
The Montana Tax Appeal Board (MTAB) provides an independent tax appeal system for issues relating to state taxation. The Board hears appeals from the Montana Department of Revenue decisions, involving residential and commercial property valuation, and takes original jurisdiction in all matters involving state income taxes, corporate taxes, severance taxes, centrally-assessed property and industrial property, motor fuels taxes, and vehicle taxes. MTAB is the court of record for all state tax cases.
What is this career opportunity?
MTAB is looking for a motivated individual skilled in research and writing who is eager to enhance their knowledge of Montana tax law. This position provides professional legal work for a Board of three administrative law judges resolving statewide property valuation and taxation policy disputes. The work involves legal research and writing, legal and administrative work in the preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders for the Board concerning the cases before it, as well as drafting administrative rules as needed.
To make the day-to-day more concrete, you will:
- Attend board hearings and assist with hearing procedures in accordance with applicable rules of civil procedure and administrative law requirements.
- Research and analyze complex property valuation and income tax questions and recommend outcomes to the Board.
- Draft bench memoranda and proposed opinions and orders in cases involving all aspects of Montana tax law.
- Assist with drafting and revising administrative rules that affect taxpayers and local governments across the state.
- Support legislative and government affairs activities, including bill drafting, policy research, interim committee coordination, and legislative session operations.
We are open to flexible scheduling within a 40-hour workweek and offer flexibility to applicants taking the July bar exam.
Where This Role Can Take You:
Previous individuals in this role have gained experience and honed their skill set and have gone on to practice law in a variety of capacities including hearings examiner, deputy county prosecutor, appellate attorney and as a clerk for a trial court judge.
What Are We Looking For?
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the State Bar of Montana or eligible to sit for the exam is preferable.
- Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Competencies:
- Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference including tax, Montana administrative law, evidence, and civil procedure.
- Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
- Knowledge of tax law and concepts.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
- Ability to maintain office confidentiality and handle stressful situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and the ability to pay attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with the public, maintain professional integrity and respect for colleagues and co-workers.
Does this sound like you?
Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)
What can you expect from us in return for your work with our agency?
Ø Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:
- Work/life Balance
- Health Coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
- And more…
Ø Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
Other important information to be aware of.
This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
Flexibility offered to applicants taking the July Bar exam.