Managing Public Defender-Conflict

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. This position may be based out of any OPD Office in the State of Montana.

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
• 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 oversees and manages all public defender services within assigned regions of the Conflict Defender Office. The Managing Attorney performs a variety of difficult and complex criminal defense, administrative, liaison, and supervisory duties. Duties include determining whether or not a conflict exists within a referred case and assigning the cases appropriately, establishing to ensure prompt counsel, ensures that public defender assignments within the Conflict Public Defender Office comply with comply with the provisions of MCA 47-1-202.

This position implements the standards and procedures established by the Conflict Defender Division Administrator and the Office of the State Public Defender within the Conflict Defender Offices.

Additionally, this position maintains a client caseload as determined by the Conflict Defender Division Administrator. Responsibilities include handling all phases of multi-forum litigation for indigent clients in a variety of typical to more complex and high-profile cases. Position is also responsible for providing mentoring to the developing Public Defenders in their representation of indigent clients as described in the Montana Public Defender Act.

Duties include researching and preparing a legal defense based on the facts, investigations, and legal research and keeping clients informed and prepared for all stages of representation including various hearings, proceedings and/or trials depending on the type of case to ensure clients are actively and efficiently represented. The Managing Attorney reports to the Conflict Defender Division Administrator, hires and manages public defenders and support staff, oversees contract services and performs all other duties as assigned.

The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides client Consultation & Case Assessment.
• Assess, researches, and prepares a legal defense based on the facts, investigations, and legal issues to ensure quality representation and diligent advocacy for the client at all stages of representation in civil, criminal, juvenile, involuntary commitment, or dependent/neglect cases.
• Represents clients in Court, Trials, &…