Search Legal Services jobs

405 Legal Services Jobs

405 jobs found Jobs found Email me jobs like this
Load More

  • Crime Victim Advocate I

    Missoula, Montana United States MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA Full Time $23.40 Hourly Dec 20, 2025
    Missoula County Employer:

    MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA

    Missoula County consists of over 30 departments to meet the needs of our citizens, from registering a motor vehicle to providing quality medical care through the health department and our federally qualified health center, access to the justice system in the form of the Sheriff’s Department and County Attorney’s office to public works projects.  Each department strives to fulfill the County’s mission: Missoula County Mission: Provide quality public service to protect and enhance the well-being of the people, communities, and environment of Missoula County. Vision: Missoula County is a trusted community leader enhancing the quality of life so people can thrive and realize individual and collective potential. Core Values: Integrity: We are accountable, ethical and transparent. Innovation: We choose to develop sustainable solutions that pursue opportunities and foster creativity. Teamwork: We are a diverse, interdependent organization that supports collaboration to work effectively. Community: We honor diversity and respect people, heritage, culture, and natural resources.          

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Definition

    This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The rate of pay for this position is $23.4027 per hour.

    The Community Justice Department is seeking a CRIME VICTIM ADVOCATE I to join their team. This position provides advocacy and support services for primary and secondary victims of violent crimes for the Missoula County Crime Victim Advocate (CVA) Program. This position is used to train new Crime Victim Advocates to perform the full component of duties required of that position. After two years, CVA I may be eligible for advancement to CVA II based on demonstrated competencies.

    Details: Priority screening will begin on Monday, January 5, 2026 . It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established, or the position has been filled.
    To Apply:
    • Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is requested/submitted.
    • Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, and a resume.
    • Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
    • Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.


    Representative Examples of Work

    Assesses complex needs, including safety and other needs, for crime victims, secondary victims and other people in crisis and determines eligibility for CVA services. Provides initial crisis counseling for crime victims through phone and in-person crisis intervention and provides emotional support and education. Provides emergency legal advocacy for victims. Follows statutory guidelines to screen applicants to determine eligibility; completes and files temporary orders of protection (TOP); prepares clients for TOP hearings; and obtains pro bono legal counsel as needed. Serves as a liaison for the victim with criminal justice agencies, attorneys, medical care providers, social service agencies and other community resources. Refers client to community resources and social service agencies. Identifies gaps in services and coordinate services available to victims with other agencies. Provides support to victims during investigations including: explaining the criminal justice system and legal process; providing advocacy; and acting as a liaison with appropriate criminal justice agencies. Provides ongoing support and information to victims through all stages of prosecution. Attends legal proceedings and hearings with or on behalf of victims. Completes or assists with victim impact statements or other documents as required. Provides information on the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program and assists crime victims in completing applications for reimbursement. Assists with training for local law enforcement agencies, attorneys or other persons associated with the criminal justice system and community agencies on the CVA Program and issues of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Promotes the visibility and accessibility of the position by attending and facilitating meetings and workshops. Provides training, community education and presentations to schools and other agencies as requested. Contributes information for grant reporting and proposals.

    Minimum Qualifications

    • Requires a Bachelors degree. Degrees best suited for this position include Social Work or other field with a focus on human development or advocacy.
    • Requires three years of experience in social work, emergency services work, or work in a human services field characterized by: crisis work; work with crime victims; work with vulnerable or underserved populations, (ex: children, youth, disabled, elderly); or work in an advocacy role. Completion of specialized advocacy training, (e.g. YWCA or Crime Victim Advocate training) will satisfy six months of the experience requirement.
    • SPECIAL REQUIREMENT : Must pass an extensive criminal background investigation conducted by the Missoula County Sheriff's Department.


    Physical/Environmental Demands

    The work is primarily performed in an office setting but involves frequent walks to city and county offices. May require trips to rural areas of Missoula and Mineral counties. The work involves crisis counseling with people who have experienced violence creating the potential for significant emotional stress for the employee and possible exposure to violent incidents. Work is performed in an office that requires safety features including panic alarms and secured entrance.

    Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
    Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
    Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

    This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

    Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

    Excellent Medical Health Benefits- Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

    Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

    Flexible Benefits Plan- Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

    Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

    Public Employees Retirement System- Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

    Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)- A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

    Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

    Sick Leave- Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

    Vacation Leave- Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

    Holidays- The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

    Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

    Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities
 

Introduction to Government Legal Careers

Government legal jobs offer diverse opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys to work in various government agencies and departments. These roles enable professionals to contribute to impactful cases while developing expertise in specific areas of law.

The federal government, state governments, and various agencies provide many career paths for legal professionals. With attorney positions available across sectors, government legal careers offer the chance to influence policy, engage in public service, and develop a deep understanding of the law.

Key highlights of government legal careers:

  • Work on high-profile and significant cases.
  • Gain specialized knowledge in areas like government contracts and compliance.
  • Contribute to public service, shaping laws and regulations.
 

Types of Government Agencies

Legal professionals are employed by government agencies at both the federal and state levels. These agencies offer positions for attorneys, paralegals, and specialists and cover a wide range of legal functions, from litigation to regulatory compliance.

Some of the key agencies that hire legal professionals include:

category039-image-001-careers-in-government
  • Federal agencies: The Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
  • State government agencies: State attorneys general offices, legislative legal departments, and public defenders’ offices.
  • Government contractors: Companies working with the government often employ legal professionals to handle regulatory compliance and government contracts.

This variety of agencies allows attorneys to explore different areas of law and government service, making government legal jobs diverse and highly rewarding.

 

Requirements for Government Legal Jobs

Candidates must meet educational and professional standards to qualify for most government legal jobs. Attorney positions typically require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Paralegal specialist roles often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in legal practice.

Here are some key requirements:

  • Attorney positions: Requires a J.D. degree and, in many cases, bar membership in good standing.
  • Paralegal specialist positions: Requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in legal work.
  • Entry-level attorney positions: Recent law school graduates can apply for positions through the federal government’s excepted service programs or state government agencies.

To succeed in these roles, having a solid legal foundation, an understanding of governmental structures, and knowledge of the specific requirements outlined in each vacancy announcement is essential.

 

Application & Hiring Process

Applying for government legal jobs requires following a formal process. The federal government and many state agencies use USAJOBS to list available positions, while other agencies might have their career portals. Understanding how to navigate these systems is essential for securing a position.

The typical application process includes:

  1. Finding job listings: Check USAJOBS or individual agency websites such as the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  2. Submitting an application: Most applications require a resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating legal expertise.
  3. Meeting qualifications: Each vacancy announcement lists the required qualifications, including specific legal experience, educational background, or bar status.
  4. Screening process: Many agencies conduct interviews and thorough background checks as part of their hiring process.
category039-image-002-careers-in-governmen

Applicants should pay close attention to the specific criteria in the job announcements to ensure their application materials are tailored to the role.

Careers In Government
 

Begin Your Career Journey

Launch your career with Careers in Government! Explore exciting opportunities, connect with passionate professionals, and shape your legacy.

JOIN NOW
 

Benefits of Government Legal Careers

One of the main attractions of government legal careers is the stability and long-term benefits they provide. These positions offer not only competitive salaries but also excellent job security. Furthermore, government employees often enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The benefits include:

  • Job security: Government positions offer reliable and stable employment.
  • Professional growth: Opportunities for advancement and specialized training are often available, allowing attorneys to develop expertise in particular legal areas.
  • Public service: Contributing to the justice system and working on impactful cases can be deeply fulfilling for those passionate about the law.

Many attorneys in government roles find the combination of career growth and public service an ideal mix for long-term professional satisfaction.

Specialized Government Legal Roles

Government legal jobs are not limited to general practice; they often involve specialization in specific legal fields. Attorneys working for government agencies can focus on environmental law, national security, labor law, or government contracts.

category039-image-003-careers-in-government

Specialized roles include:

  • General Counsel: Provides legal advice to government agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Attorneys in niche fields: These roles include legal professionals working on intellectual property, government contracts, and public policy issues.
  • Paralegal specialists: Support attorneys in legal research, document preparation, and case management tasks.

Such roles allow attorneys to dive deep into specific legal areas while contributing to government policies and regulations.

 

Finding Government Legal Jobs

For those interested in government legal careers, several resources can assist with job searches:

  • USAJOBS: This platform comprehensively lists federal government job openings, including legal positions.
  • Agency websites: Federal agencies like the Department of Justice and state government websites regularly post job opportunities.
  • Networking: Connecting with current or former government attorneys can open doors to hidden opportunities and provide valuable insights into the application process.

These resources can help streamline the search for government legal positions and increase the chances of landing a role that fits your expertise.

 

Resources for Government Legal Job Seekers

Several professional organizations and resources provide guidance and support for those seeking government legal jobs:

  • American Bar Association (ABA): Offers tools and advice for law students and recent graduates looking to enter public service law.
  • National Association of Law Placement (NALP): Provides job listings and career guidance for government and public interest legal positions.
  • Government agency websites: Many agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, offer career resources for aspiring government attorneys.
category039-image-004-careers-in-governmen

These resources can help candidates navigate the complexities of the government hiring process and build successful careers in public service law.

 

Tips for Success in Government Legal Careers

To excel in government legal jobs, consider the following strategies:

  • Strengthen research and writing skills: These are crucial for success in government attorney positions.
  • Develop expertise in a niche area: Specialization in areas like environmental law or government contracts can boost your career prospects.
  • Network with professionals: Building relationships with government legal professionals can provide valuable career insights and opportunities.

Aspiring government attorneys can position themselves for success and growth within the public sector by focusing on these areas.

 

Conclusion

Government legal jobs offer many opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals. With roles available at federal and state levels, government agencies provide meaningful career paths that allow legal professionals to develop specialized knowledge, serve the public, and contribute to the justice system. By understanding the requirements, application process, and available resources, you can successfully navigate your way to a rewarding career in government law.

Unlock Government Opportunities with Careers in Government

Elevate your career or find the ideal government talent on Careers in Government! Explore and shape the future with us.

JOIN NOW
 
SHOW MORE