Description:
Position Overview:This position is located in the A Government Entity Attorney's office. This position represents A Government Entity and is responsible for prosecuting and defending civil cases; advising elected officials, department heads and employees on civil matters; and serving as legal counsel at public meetings. This position also is responsible for handling dependent neglect, involuntary commitment, and guardianship/conservator cases in district court, under the discretion of the A Government Entity Attorney.
This position will perform such duties as assigned by the County Attorney and the Chief Civil Deputy County Attorney.
All other functions are included in Other Duties as Assigned. All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated.
Essential Duties:
- Provides legal counsel and representation to County elected officials, department heads, and employees as primary legal advisor.
- Advises county boards and special districts on legal questions pertaining to their functions and provides training to board members regarding meeting procedures and current legal requirements.
- Prepares legal opinions, interprets statutes, rules, and regulations. Prepares resolutions, ordinances, and regulations. Reviews staff reports and assists with complicated communications.
- Reviews, evaluates, prepares, prosecutes and defends lawsuits and claims on behalf of the County in state district court, the Montana Supreme Court, federal court, and before administrative agencies. Responsible for all phases of litigation.
- Handles all stages of child abuse and neglect cases on behalf of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), including filing petitions for removal, acting as lead counsel at all hearings, prepping witnesses, assisting DPHHS with investigations, and consulting with DPHHS regarding child placement.
- Handles all stages of involuntary commitment cases, including authorizing emergency detentions, filing petitions for commitment, acting as lead counsel at all hearings, prepping witnesses, and consulting with certified professional persons regarding appropriate mental health treatment.
- May file guardianship/conservator actions for disabled, elderly, or minors for Adult Protect Services, in which case all stages of the case are handled.
- Directs and supervises the work of legal interns within a specified subject matter.
Other Duties as Assigned
Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the County Attorney and Chief Civil Deputy Attorneys.
Qualifications:
This work requires knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations and procedures; of county government operations; and legal terminology and documents. The position also requires the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public and in giving and obtaining information; and understand and maintain safeguards for sensitive and confidential information.
Education & Experience:
This position requires a degree from an accredited law school and an active membership in the State Bar of Montana to practice before the U.S. Federal District Courts. Experience representing local governments and practicing in the areas of administrative, land-use, contract, and employment law is preferred.
Before being hired, an applicant must successfully pass a background investigation. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the county's liability policies.
