Child Protection Attorney

Job Description

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, Appellate Services, Civil Services, and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana's laws, 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 Child Protection Attorney provides assistance with child abuse and neglect matters to county attorneys' offices across the state. The position is responsible for independently handling all phases of simple and complex civil cases regarding child abuse and neglect in district courts. This requires factual assessment of the case, legal research, and writing, preparation of legal documents, and oral presentation of testimony and argument. The position also offers training to county attorneys, employees of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services (CFS), and other DN case stakeholders. The position will work with a team of attorneys and support staff on cases, projects, and training.

This position is open until filled. First review of candidates will be on 11/10/2026.

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 with case prosecution, and/or representing the State, parents, and/or child in Dependency and Neglect cases is preferred.

Special Instructions:

You are required to attach a résumé, cover letter and a legal writing sample of 5,000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last five 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 cover letter, résumé, and writing sample at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample you must mark each of the attachments as a "Relevant File".

Your Cover Letter: How do your qualifications and experience directly correlate to the duties of this position and what makes you the best candidate for the job?

Your Résumé: 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

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.

Closing Date/Time: Ongoing