Contracts Program Attorney

State of Montana•Butte, MT

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Contracts Program Attorney provides assistance in overseeing contracted services within the Office of State Public Defender (OPD). Duties include assisting the Contracts Program Manager in providing contracted attorney management, contract development and oversight, ensuring contractor compliance with OPD practice standards, providing quality assurance of contractor services, developing and maintaining relationships with OPD contractors and reviewing the case work of contracted attorneys. The Contracts Program Attorney must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to not only ensure that needed services are provided, but also continually advocating and striving to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
Active membership with the State Bar of Montana
Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices and their application with particular reference to indigent defense.
Understanding of state and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation, including Titles 40 ( Uniform Parentage Act), 41 (Montana Youth Court Act) (Child Abuse and Neglect), 45 (Crimes), 46 (Criminal Procedure), 47 (Access to Legal Services), 53 (Mental Disorder),61 (Motor Vehicles), 87 (Fish and Wildlife), Montana Code Annotated, and the Montana Rules of Evidence, Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rules of Appellate Procedures.
Familiarity of methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts.
Understanding of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, especially as applicable to indigent defense.
Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences that may affect the attorney/client relationship and communications.
Ability to effectively research and analyze legal documents.
Skilled in use of standard office equipment, programs, and software.
Strong organization, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to learn, understand, and consistently and effectively utilize OPD’s case management system .
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
Able to maintain professionalism when critiqued.
Ability to work independently with self-initiative.

Nice To Haves

Experience with legal billing and contract management
Experience in criminal litigation

Responsibilities

Legal review and consultation (80%)
Contractor recruitment and assignment (15%)
Other duties as assigned (5%)

Benefits

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!