Solicitor General Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Office of the Montana Solicitor General ("OSG") seeks to hire a Deputy Solicitor General. As the chief litigator for the State of Montana, the Solicitor General oversees the State's appellate litigation, with particular focus on the United States Supreme Court, Montana Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Solicitor General also oversees the State's offensive federal litigation against overreaching federal administration policies, as well as the State's defense of federal constitutional challenges to Montana state laws.

OSG positions involve significant litigation responsibility, including managing cases, drafting briefs, and presenting oral arguments.  The OSG directly handles cases of complexity and public importance, and it also supervises the State's robust amicus practice, routinely filing multistate amicus briefs in the United States Supreme Court and in the federal courts of appeal. The OSG also oversees high-stakes trial litigation and advises the Attorney General on high-profile legal issues.  The Deputy Solicitor General reports directly to the Solicitor General and supervises assistant solicitors, fellows, and interns. 

Responsibilities:

• Developing case strategy, preparing briefs and oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court, Montana Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit, and other federal courts.

• Performing thorough legal research on issues of law;

• Reviewing and drafting multi-state amicus briefs;

• Drafting Attorney General Opinions and federal agency comments;

• Providing legal advice and policy recommendations for the Attorney General.

The Deputy Solicitor General position is appointed in accordance with MCA 2-18-104 and will assist the Solicitor General in the commission of these duties.

This is a fully remote position with a hybrid optional schedule. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree.

• At least five 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 six months of hire. Individuals with 5 years of practice in another state in good standing are eligible to be admitted on motion. Individuals who have passed the Uniform Bar Exam may be eligible to transfer. Bar Admission Rules

• Judicial clerkship experience preferred

• Familiarity with and interest in federal constitutional law and statutory interpretation

• Commitment to advocating for the interests of the State of Montana;

• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Special Instructions:

You are REQUIRED to attach a resume and a legal writing sample of 3000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last three 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 resume 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 Check

• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your resume, 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 resume 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 coverage

• Retirement plans

• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program 

State 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.