Public Defender-Family Defense Specialist

Job Description - Public Defender-Family Defense Specialist )

The Family Defense Bureau is seeking a Family Defense Attorney in our Eastern Montana Unit.

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.

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.

• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• References:
  Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

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 to ensure that needed services are provided. Public Defenders shall continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.

Represents clients in court, in other legal proceedings, or before other government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary.

Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to motions, briefs, memos, proposed orders, forms, contracts and/or other legal agreements.

Prepares appropriate proposed 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.

Provide consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, explore settlement negotiations, and/or facilitate case resolutions.

Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings.

Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent.

Serves as a legal advisor in dependence and neglect matters; may develop expertise in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary.

May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law.

Attends continuing education trainings as required and necessary.

May provide office support as requested or as needed.

This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court, setting and may involve visits to jails, detention centers, or mental health facilities. Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations. Attendance of continuing legal education seminars to meet Bar requirements is necessary. Depending on location, travel to attend court, trainings and provide services to clients is common, which could be up to 40% of the time.

Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, and their application with reference to indigent defense.

State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents.

Familiarity of methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts.

General knowledge of Title 41, Mont. Code Ann. and its application in the State of Montana as it applies to clients in the dependency and neglect system.

Continuing…