Claims Attorney

Job Description - Claims Attorney )

We are looking for a Claims Attorney who approaches the law with creativity and pragmatism. You won’t just be managing a caseload; you will distill complex legal principles into nuanced, innovative and actionable legal advice empowering internal business partners to deliver on MSF’s mission.

In this role, you are a vital advocate for our organization. You will use your deep understanding of statutes and case law to provide strategic legal advice to internal clients and represent our interests in various legal forums, ensuring Montana has a healthy, well-functioning workers’ compensation system.

• Maintain active litigation caseload: You’ll represent MSF before multiple forums, including the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the Workers’ Compensation Court, and the Montana Supreme Court. A successful candidate will have strong oral advocacy skills and the ability to think strategically in the moment.
• Implement successful litigation strategies: You’ll partner with MSF’s claims examiners to develop and implement thoughtful litigation strategies. Those litigation strategies will vary based on context but will include conducting discovery (written as well as verbal), conducting witness interviews, drafting motions and briefs, working with retained experts, presenting oral arguments, and engaging in mediations and trials.
• Advise internal stakeholders: You’ll partner with internal stakeholders and advise them on opportunities to act strategically and consistently with Montana law. Duties will include interpreting statutes, administrative rules and court decisions on a daily basis. You’ll also provide strategic legal advice to internal clients, which will include developing and providing legal training on Montana’s workers’ compensation system. You also may assist policyholders and claimants with developing a better understanding Montana’s workers’ compensation laws.
  
  A successful candidate will have a strong customer experience mindset and will be able to maintain a positive working relationship with coworkers, clients and members of the public.

• You practice the law with creativity and strategic thinking, engaging in innovative legal approaches and unafraid to advance good‑faith extensions of law.
• You have a mastery of Montana statutes and case law, coupled with the ability to translate complex legalities into actionable advice for non‑attorney colleagues.
• You are a skilled negotiator and orator, comfortable in mediations, settlement conferences, and high‑pressure courtroom environments.
• You thrive in a team environment, working alongside claims examiners and management to develop litigation strategies aligning with MSF’s interests.

• A Juris Doctor Degree (JD)
• A license to practice law in the State of Montana
• A strong interest in learning more about Montana’s workers’ compensation laws.

• Relevant designations and certifications

• Regular attendance and presence in our Helena Office (occasional remote work encouraged).
• Technical skills relevant to the position, including the ability to use Microsoft Office tools and Lexis Nexis legal research tools without assistance.

This position may be hired to either work at our local headquarters in Helena, Montana or remotely from within the state of Montana, provided the candidate is sufficiently digitally capable from their location. Regular travel is required as needed for on‑site work or events.

Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Occasional travel may occur for court appearances, training, and organization/team events. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards.

Starting salary for this Exempt (4

Bi) position begins at $105,200–$131,400 per year.

Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:

• Excellent health insurance with dental, vision, life, long‑term…