Managing Public Defender-Conflict
Munro Footwear Group, Billings, MT, United States
Job Overview
This position oversees and manages all public defender services within assigned regions of the Conflict Defender Office. The Managing Attorney performs a variety of difficult and complex criminal defense, administrative, liaison, and supervisory duties, including determining conflicts, assigning cases, ensuring compliance with MCA 47-1-202, implementing standards and procedures established by the Conflict Defender Division Administrator and the Office of the State Public Defender, maintaining client caseload, and mentoring new public defenders.
Essential Functions
A. Client Representation (50%)
– Provides client consultation & case assessment; researches, prepares, and presents legal defenses; represents clients in court, trials, and official proceedings; prepares legal documents, opinions, orders; conducts investigations, interviews, and settlement negotiations; collaborates with other attorneys; serves as legal advisor across multiple fields.
B. Administrative Management (25%)
– Ensures fiscal soundness of resource usage; implements processes for data collection and reporting; maintains quality administrative procedures; reviews conflicts of interest and makes determinations; oversees contract services; ensures compliance with Practice Standards; facilitates complaints; manages caseload; resolves conflicts ethically; handles sensitive issues.
C. Supervision (20%)
– Supervises public defenders and support staff; implements performance evaluation; provides training and mentoring; manages counsel assignments for capital cases; offers guidance.
D. Public Relations and Other Duties (5%)
– Builds relationships with prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and community partners; represents agency at meetings; responds to media inquiries; testifies in legislative hearings; performs additional duties as assigned.
Physical & Environmental Demands This role works in offices, courts, jails and detention centers, with regular visits. Work may require more than 40 hours/week and exposure to stressful situations. Continuing legal education is required. Travel up to 40% of the time.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Leads and energizes staff, balances client needs with resources, implements policies, solves complex problems, makes timely decisions, directs organization, demonstrates respect, manages staff, demonstrates supervision and budgeting skills, communicates effectively, builds relationships, demonstrates commitment to public defender mission, possesses extensive knowledge of legal processes, and has experience in public administration and legislative processes.
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.
Preferred Qualifications At least five years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervision of professional and support staff, budgeting, and operational functions; practical experience in criminal and civil litigation involving public defense actions.
E-Verify This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Salary & Benefits Annual Salary: $110,873.22. Benefits include health insurance, paid leave & holidays, retirement plan, telework eligibility (limited). Telework schedule requires supervisor approval.
Application Details Required materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References. Contact: Margaret McNivens – Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov or 406-444-5374.
EEO Statement The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications.
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Essential Functions
A. Client Representation (50%)
– Provides client consultation & case assessment; researches, prepares, and presents legal defenses; represents clients in court, trials, and official proceedings; prepares legal documents, opinions, orders; conducts investigations, interviews, and settlement negotiations; collaborates with other attorneys; serves as legal advisor across multiple fields.
B. Administrative Management (25%)
– Ensures fiscal soundness of resource usage; implements processes for data collection and reporting; maintains quality administrative procedures; reviews conflicts of interest and makes determinations; oversees contract services; ensures compliance with Practice Standards; facilitates complaints; manages caseload; resolves conflicts ethically; handles sensitive issues.
C. Supervision (20%)
– Supervises public defenders and support staff; implements performance evaluation; provides training and mentoring; manages counsel assignments for capital cases; offers guidance.
D. Public Relations and Other Duties (5%)
– Builds relationships with prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and community partners; represents agency at meetings; responds to media inquiries; testifies in legislative hearings; performs additional duties as assigned.
Physical & Environmental Demands This role works in offices, courts, jails and detention centers, with regular visits. Work may require more than 40 hours/week and exposure to stressful situations. Continuing legal education is required. Travel up to 40% of the time.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Leads and energizes staff, balances client needs with resources, implements policies, solves complex problems, makes timely decisions, directs organization, demonstrates respect, manages staff, demonstrates supervision and budgeting skills, communicates effectively, builds relationships, demonstrates commitment to public defender mission, possesses extensive knowledge of legal processes, and has experience in public administration and legislative processes.
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.
Preferred Qualifications At least five years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervision of professional and support staff, budgeting, and operational functions; practical experience in criminal and civil litigation involving public defense actions.
E-Verify This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Salary & Benefits Annual Salary: $110,873.22. Benefits include health insurance, paid leave & holidays, retirement plan, telework eligibility (limited). Telework schedule requires supervisor approval.
Application Details Required materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References. Contact: Margaret McNivens – Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov or 406-444-5374.
EEO Statement The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications.
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