Job Description - Public Defender (24142609) Position Title: Public Defender - (24142609) To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. Our Mission To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution Our Vision Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender: Our work changes lives The work OPD does makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. Benefits of working for OPD: 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. Other fantastic benefits include: Health Coverage Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays Work/life balance Opportunities and room for professional growth Telework (when applicable) Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness. Materials Required of Applicants: Resume References: Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer. About this Opportunity Job Overview: Public Defenders serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel. Public defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and render competent legal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: A. Client Representation (95%) Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities. Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure, or death penalty, life in prison. Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts, and/or other legal agreements. Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings. Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases. Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify. Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and/or facilitates a resolution. Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions. Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings. Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent. Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary. Other duties as assigned (5%) May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law. Attends continuing education trainings as required and necessary. May provide office support as requested or as needed. Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court, with regular visits to jails, detention centers, or mental health facilities. Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: This position requires: Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, and their application with particular reference to indigent defense. State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents. Familiarity of methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts. Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure and its application in the State of Montana. Continuing obligation to stay abreast of changes and developments in the law with legal research. Knowledge of Titles 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 53, 61, 87 Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures, and other title provisions. Classification of mental disorders and the ability to read and understand medical terminology related to mental disorders. Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations. Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences that may affect the attorney/client relationship. Statutory requirements governing guardianship and conservatorship in the jurisdiction. Skilled in use of standard office equipment, programs, and software. Strong organization, time management, and oral written communication skills. Ability to learn, understand, and consistently utilize the agency case management system. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others. Ability to learn and understand the principles and practices of evidence collection. Ability to effectively research and analyze documents. Able to maintain professionalism when critiqued. Ability to discern when to consult with peers to avoid unnecessary research or argument. Ability to work independently on arguments with multiple issues. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. Membership in the State Bar of Montana. Preferred: Previous experience in criminal defense preferred. Salary: $84,364.37 - 98,276.72 Yearly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave&Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type: Standard Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes, 50% of the Time Primary Location: Miles City Other Locations: Glendive Agency: Office of Public Defender Union: American Federation of State, County&Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Posting Date: Oct 11, 2024, 9:33:33 PM Closing Date: Ongoing Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References Contact Name: Human Resources | Contact Email: DOAOPDHRPayrollmt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-9160 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing. J-18808-Ljbffr