Appellate Attorney - (26142416)
Division Overview:The State’s Attorney’s Office in the Montana Department of Justice is dedicated to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law on behalf of the people of Montana. The office includes the Solicitor General’s Office, Criminal Prosecution and Appellate Services, Civil Services and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana’s laws as passed by the Legislature, constitutional challenges, determining legal sufficiency of ballot initiatives, prosecution of criminals, handling all phases of litigation from district court proceedings through appeal, and complex litigation of antitrust matters.Job Overview:The Appellate Services Bureau represents the State of Montana in criminal cases that are appealed to the Montana Supreme Court. Appellate Services also handles appeals in dependency and neglect cases resulting in termination of parental rights and appeals in involuntary commitment proceedings. The Appellate Attorney is required to handle issues of statutory interpretation and constitutional analysis that have statewide significance. This requires the ability to meticulously review lower court records and transcripts, conduct legal research, and write persuasive briefs advocating for the State’s position. Appellate Services’ Attorneys are also responsible for conducting oral arguments in the Montana Supreme Court when the Court orders a case to be argued.In addition, Appellate Services handles complex federal habeas corpus cases in the federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Federal habeas cases sometimes require depositions and evidentiary hearings. Handling federal habeas cases requires knowledge of procedural defenses that are unique to federal habeas litigation, and the ability to work effectively with voluminous case files that sometimes span decades. Federal habeas cases may involve an oral argument in the Ninth Circuit.Attorneys within Appellate Services must have the skills to manage competing deadlines and work independently on their cases. Appellate attorneys collaborate with colleagues and with prosecutors around the State to determine the best strategy to advance the goals of the criminal justice system.The preferred location for this position is in Helena, but other locations in MT may be considered.This position is open until filled. First review of candidates will be on 10/8/2026.
Minimum Qualifications:Juris Doctor Degree.At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within a reasonable time. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Bar Admission RulesOther combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Preferred Qualifications:Experience practicing criminal law in Montana.Appellate experience in the Montana Supreme Court and/or federal practice experience.Special Instructions:You are required to attach a resume, cover letter and a legal writing sample of 5,000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last five years at the time of application.The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé, cover letter, writing sample, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based CheckDriving HistoryHOW TO APPLY:To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter, and writing sample, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.Your Resume: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service.To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.Medical, dental and vision coverageRetirement plansGenerous paid vacation, sick and holidaysPre-tax Flexibility Spending AccountsEmployee Assistance ProgramState of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.This Organization Participates in E-Verify. Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
52.07 - 57.01 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
: 2 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time
: Standard
: Day Job
: Yes, 5 % of the Time
: Helena
Agency: Department of Justice Union: 000 - None
: Sep 24, 2026, 2:00:48 PM
: Ongoing
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Rylee Much | Contact Email: DOJCSDHR@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-5528 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana 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.
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