Public Defender - Fall

Public Defender - Fall 2027 )

If selected, candidates will start in Summer/Fall of 2027. Candidates who are not licensed in Montana as of the start date will be paid a training assignment wage of $74,874.60. Upon licensure, new attorneys receive an annualized wage of $91,542.75.

Public Defenders serve as defense attorneys for indigent clients and others in criminal and civil cases entitled to counsel under law. They 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, dependent/neglect matters, and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

• Client Representation (95%) – Represent clients in court, hearings, and other legal proceedings; prepare opinions, forms, contracts, and other legal documents; conduct investigations; prepare evidence and exhibits; apply state and federal laws; advise during settlement negotiations; assist other attorneys during trials; develop expertise in specific fields of law as needed.
• Other duties as assigned (5%) – Serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field; attend continuing education trainings; provide office support as requested.

Work occurs in offices, courts, jails, detention centers, and mental health facilities. The role may require more than a 40‑hour work week and exposure to stressful situations. Attendance at continuing legal education seminars is required. Travel to attend court, trainings and client services may be up to 40% of the time.

• Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices and their application to indigent defense.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations and judicial precedents.
• Familiarity with defense tactics and strategies.
• Knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure in Montana.
• Continuously update with legal changes via research and the agency’s endorsed research program.
• Knowledge of relevant Montana statutes and titles (e.g., 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87).
• Ability to classify mental disorders and interpret medical terminology related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use.
• Ability to work effectively with marginalized and culturally diverse populations.
• Skill in standard office equipment, programs, and software.
• Strong organization, time‑management, oral and written communication.
• Ability to learn and use the agency case‑management system.
• Professionalism, critical thinking, teamwork, evidence collection, and research skills.

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of Montana.

Previous experience in criminal defense.

• Health coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work/life balance.
• Professional growth opportunities.

74,874.60 –  yearly.

Telework eligible. Full‑time telework is not available; schedule must be supervisor approved.

15.

Regular

Schedule:

Full‑Time.

Standard.

Day Job.

Yes, 50% of the time.

Butte.

Billings, Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Polson, Lewistown, Havre, Hamilton, Great Falls.

Office of Public Defender.

AFSCME.

July 1, 2026.

July 1, 2027.

Required Application Materials:
Cover Letter, Resume, References.

Electronic verification of employment eligibility will be conducted via E‑Verify. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I‑9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. The agency does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, 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.