Lawyer

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.

The
Montana Law Enforcement Academy serves as the premier training institution for law enforcement and public safety professionals in the state of Montana. Its primary mission is to provide comprehensive and standardized training programs to law enforcement and public safety professionals, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to serve their communities effectively. Through rigorous instruction and practical exercises, the Academy aims to foster a culture of professionalism, integrity, and accountability among Montana's criminal justice personnel, ultimately enhancing public safety and trust in the criminal justice system.

This attorney position is located in the Central Services Division (CSD) of the Department of Justice and reports to the General Counsel. The position’s primary responsibility is to serve as legal counsel and an instructor for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. In this capacity, the incumbent develops, coordinates, and delivers all legal training for law enforcement trainees.

In addition and as time permits, this position 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.

Curriculum Development and Instruction:
Develops, conducts, coordinates, and reviews all legal training ablishes comprehensive lesson plans to define course objectives, standards, and evaluation criteria.

Expert Legal Training:
Delivers quality legal and investigative information in both classroom and scenario-based environments. Provides expert education and training in laws of arrest, search and seizure, interrogation, due process, and cruel and unusual punishment as contained in the Montana and U.S. Constitutions, Montana Code Annotated, and Administrative Rules of Montana.

Trainee Evaluation:
Monitors and evaluates the performance of trainees enrolled in investigative and legal programs. This includes evaluating examinations, skills tests, and other formal measures of performance; identifying deficiencies and recommending improvements; and determining overall performance based on established course standards.

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.

Submit your resume and cover letter electronically. If you have any questions, email Bri Smith th2.

This is a permanent full-time position and located in Helena, Montana.

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to and…