Attorney-Conflict Public Defender

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay tana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

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 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 serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel. Public defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and render competent legal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender including felony and misdemeanor criminal charges; youth court proceedings; involuntary mental health or developmental disability commitments;

representing parents and children in dependent/neglect matters; and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, as described in the Montana Public Defender Act Title 47 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.

The job duties and responsibilities for this…