Assistant Attorney General-Appellate

Assistant Attorney General-Appellate - (25142816)

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. Assistant Attorneys General in Appellate Services are 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.

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 Rules
Other 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 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 résumé and cover letter, 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 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 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 coverage

Retirement plans

Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

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: Not Applicable

Salary: $ 49.80 - 54.62 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible

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, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Department of Justice

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: Dec 1, 2025, 1:56:14 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Dec 16, 2025, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: DOJ CSD Human Resources | Contact Email: dojcsdhr@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-5528

Work Location: In person