Attorney-Conflict Public Defender Family Defense Specialist

Job Title

Attorney-Conflict Public Defender Family Defense Specialist )

To provide the most compassionate and expert defense of clients and the Constitution.

Our vision is to create expert teams of advocates for justice, bringing respect and dignity to our clients to achieve holistic and equitable outcomes.

• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Work in the beautiful state of Montana: theatres, museums, fairs, rodeos, high‑quality education, and abundant recreational opportunities.
• Outdoor activities across state mountains, rivers, lakes, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling.

This position is a Public Defender-Family Defense Specialist within the Conflict Defender Division, independent from the regional offices. Conflict Public Defenders represent clients on referred cases involving identified conflicts.

The Family Defense Specialist serves as a defense attorney for indigent clients in dependency and neglect civil cases under Montana Title 41 and Title 47. The role requires professional judgment, competent legal services, and collaborative work with underprivileged populations.

• Represents clients in court and other legal proceedings, including Montana Supreme Court as necessary.
• Reviews and prepares legal documents: opinions, forms, contracts, and agreements.
• Prepares findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders after proceedings.
• Creates evidence, exhibits, and legal documents for litigation.
• Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
• Interviews parties, witnesses, and experts and prepares parties for testimony.
• Responds to inquiries and provides policy explanations or resolutions.
• Offers consultation, recommendations, settlement negotiations, and legal decision facilitation.
• Collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
• Handles cases with substantial precedent and interprets new, precedent‑less laws.
• Serves as legal advisor in dependence and neglect matters; may develop expertise and provide training.

• May serve as principal legal advisor in a specific field of law.
• Attends required continuing education trainings.
• Provides office support as needed.

• Varied settings: office, court, jails, detention centers, mental health facilities.
• Workload may exceed 40 hours; stress exposure possible.
• Attendance at continuing legal education seminars is required.
• Travel up to 40% of the time for court, training, and client services.

• Legal and court policy knowledge for indigent defense.
• Familiarity with state and federal laws, rules, and precedents.
• Defense tactics in criminal and civil courts.
• Criminal law as it applies to dependency and neglect cases.
• Ongoing legal research and learning; agency legal research program.
• Extensive knowledge of Montana Codes, Title 3 through Title 47, Rules of Appellate Procedures, and related statutes.
• Mental disorder classification and medical terminology related to development, chemical dependence, and alcoholism.
• Effective work with marginalized populations and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Understanding of guardianship, conservatorship, youth services, and community resources.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment, technology, electronic filing, and case management systems.
• Strong organization, time management, oral and written communication.
• Professionalism and ability to consult peers when appropriate.
• Independent argument development on multiple issues.

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana.

• Previous experience in criminal defense.

$86,473.48 – $ yearly

Telework Eligible (Full‑time telework not available; supervisor approval required).

Travel: 50% of the time.

Primary

Location:

Billings – Agency:
Office of Public Defender Union – AFSCME.

Full‑Time, Standard, Day shift

• Required materials:
  Cover Letter, Resume,…