Managing Public Defender
Munro Footwear Group, Billings, MT, United States
Managing Public Defender (26141041)
Job Overview
Managing attorneys ensure that effective and efficient legal services are rendered for clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender by providing guidance, leadership, and day‑to‑day supervision to public defenders within an assigned office or region. The position establishes office protocols, ensures compliance with MCA 47‑1‑202, and carries a caseload representing indigent clients. Public defenders must be committed to serving under‑privileged populations and continually advocate to improve service levels.
Essential Functions
A. Client Representation (65%)
Represents clients in court, hearings, or other legal proceedings, including the Montana Supreme Court as needed.
Provides defense in high‑profile cases, significant liability exposure, death penalty, life imprisonment.
Reviews, prepares, and files legal documents, opinions, contracts, and other agreements.
Prepares findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders, and other post‑procedural documents.
Prepares evidence, exhibits, and necessary documents for litigation.
Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts; prepares them for testimony.
Handles questions or complaints, provides policy explanations, and facilitates resolutions.
Consults and negotiates settlements; assists other attorneys during trials.
Manages cases with substantial precedent and new legal developments.
Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields; offers training as needed.
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards, ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and statutes on case handling and caseloads.
Monitors timely pleading, motion, appeal, scheduling, and follow‑up activities.
Directs, coordinates, and supervises work; provides leadership, training, and performance evaluation.
Handles hiring, discipline, and termination of public defenders.
Maintains liaison with County Attorneys, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies.
Investigates client complaints and recommends resolutions; represents the office in disputes with law enforcement and judicial offices.
Participates in operational plans, goal setting, and recommendation of enhancements; collaborates with the Regional Deputy Public Defender.
Approves office expenses and assists with budgeting.
C. Other Duties (5%)
May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field.
Attends continuing education, workshops, or conferences as required.
Provides office support when needed.
Provides coverage as Regional Deputy Defender as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of public defender roles, court‑appointed counsel duties, and business applications including HR, finance, and budgeting.
Understanding of legal policies, procedures, and practices with emphasis on indigent defense.
Mastery of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and precedents.
Proficiency in defense tactics and substantive criminal law and procedure.
Stays current on legal developments and utilizes the agency’s research program.
Familiarity with relevant Montana titles (40, 41, 45‑46, 47, 53, 61, 87) and the Montana Code Annotated.
Competence in mental disorder classification, medical terminology, and its impact on client interactions.
Knowledge of guardianship, conservatorship statutes, and relevant case law.
Understanding of plea agreements and youth/minor services.
Evidence collection principles and general legal principles.
Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations and understand cultural differences.
Strong leadership, decision‑making, analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
Effective communication, training, and organizational management abilities.
Customer orientation, self‑motivation, and proficiency with office software and case management systems.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Membership in the State Bar of Montana.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in criminal defense.
Demonstrated responsible leadership skills in managing a complex organization.
Benefits
Health coverage
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Work/life balance
Opportunities and room for professional growth
Work in the beautiful state of Montana, including access to outdoor recreation.
Salary $110,873.22 – $110,873.22 Yearly
EEO Statement State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Functions
A. Client Representation (65%)
Represents clients in court, hearings, or other legal proceedings, including the Montana Supreme Court as needed.
Provides defense in high‑profile cases, significant liability exposure, death penalty, life imprisonment.
Reviews, prepares, and files legal documents, opinions, contracts, and other agreements.
Prepares findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders, and other post‑procedural documents.
Prepares evidence, exhibits, and necessary documents for litigation.
Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
Identifies and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts; prepares them for testimony.
Handles questions or complaints, provides policy explanations, and facilitates resolutions.
Consults and negotiates settlements; assists other attorneys during trials.
Manages cases with substantial precedent and new legal developments.
Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields; offers training as needed.
B. Administrative and Personnel Supervision (30%)
Implements office standards, ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and statutes on case handling and caseloads.
Monitors timely pleading, motion, appeal, scheduling, and follow‑up activities.
Directs, coordinates, and supervises work; provides leadership, training, and performance evaluation.
Handles hiring, discipline, and termination of public defenders.
Maintains liaison with County Attorneys, District Court Judges, Justices of the Peace, and law enforcement agencies.
Investigates client complaints and recommends resolutions; represents the office in disputes with law enforcement and judicial offices.
Participates in operational plans, goal setting, and recommendation of enhancements; collaborates with the Regional Deputy Public Defender.
Approves office expenses and assists with budgeting.
C. Other Duties (5%)
May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field.
Attends continuing education, workshops, or conferences as required.
Provides office support when needed.
Provides coverage as Regional Deputy Defender as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of public defender roles, court‑appointed counsel duties, and business applications including HR, finance, and budgeting.
Understanding of legal policies, procedures, and practices with emphasis on indigent defense.
Mastery of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and precedents.
Proficiency in defense tactics and substantive criminal law and procedure.
Stays current on legal developments and utilizes the agency’s research program.
Familiarity with relevant Montana titles (40, 41, 45‑46, 47, 53, 61, 87) and the Montana Code Annotated.
Competence in mental disorder classification, medical terminology, and its impact on client interactions.
Knowledge of guardianship, conservatorship statutes, and relevant case law.
Understanding of plea agreements and youth/minor services.
Evidence collection principles and general legal principles.
Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations and understand cultural differences.
Strong leadership, decision‑making, analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
Effective communication, training, and organizational management abilities.
Customer orientation, self‑motivation, and proficiency with office software and case management systems.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Membership in the State Bar of Montana.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in criminal defense.
Demonstrated responsible leadership skills in managing a complex organization.
Benefits
Health coverage
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Work/life balance
Opportunities and room for professional growth
Work in the beautiful state of Montana, including access to outdoor recreation.
Salary $110,873.22 – $110,873.22 Yearly
EEO Statement State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr