Attorney-Conflict Public Defender Family Defense Specialist

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school,

Membership in the State Bar of Montana

Previous experience in criminal defense preferred.

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. This position is open until filled with frequent screenings.

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Our work changes lives! OPD’s work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high‑quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year‑round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References:
  Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

This position is a Public Defender‑Family Defense Specialist within the Conflict Defender Division. The Conflict Defender Division is separate from, and independent of, the eleven regional offices, and local offices. Conflict Public Defenders represent clients on cases in which conflicts have been identified and have been referred to the Conflict Defender Division Office.

Public Defenders – Family Defense Specialist serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients in dependency and neglect civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel pursuant to Montana Code Annotated Title 41 and Title 47. This public defender attorney position is expected to exercise professional judgment and render competent legal services representing parents and children in dependent/neglect matters.

Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations.

• Represents clients in court, during hearings, or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary.
• Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or other legal agreements.
• Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings.
• Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases.
• Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
• Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify.
• Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and/or facilitates a resolution.
• Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions.
• Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
• Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as…