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Consumer Protection Attorney

State of Montana, Helena, MT, United States


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 and Appellate Services, Civil Services and Consumer Protection. The functions within the office include defense of Montana’s laws as passed by the Legislature, 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
This is an Attorney position for the Office of Consumer Protection. The Consumer Protection Unit is responsible for a variety of professional investigative, compliance and administrative work related to the Montana Consumer Protection Act, MCA Sections 30‑14‑101 through 2602, and applicable Montana Rules of Administrative Procedure, including administration and enforcement related to Personal Solicitation Sales; statutory requirements governing Service Warranty Contracts; compliance with the Telephone Solicitation No‑Call List; Impediment of Identity Theft (data breaches and data privacy); Regulation of Debt Settlement Providers; the Montana Consumer Debt Management Services Act, and the Montana Telemarketing Registration and Fraud Prevention Act.

Fields and processes thousands of inquiries or complaints about fraudulent, fake, unlawful, unfair or deceptive acts or practices of persons and businesses.

Ensures compliance with state and federal laws by investigating persons and businesses engaged in unlawful or deceptive acts or practices; conducts informal dispute resolutions; and, if necessary, pursues formal legal enforcement actions to obtain injunctions, restitution to consumers, and civil fines or penalties.

Investigates and pursues enforcement of complaints regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Law in the Montana by persons not licensed to practice law in the State of Montana.

Represents the Tow Truck Resolution Committee, including in formal and informal contested case proceedings subject to the Montana Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA).

Participates in certain multistate working groups to stay abreast of consumer issues affecting Montanans, including with respect to student or consumer debt matters, data privacy, illegal robocalls.

Outreach and public education to consumers, county attorneys, and businesses or trade associations (such as contractors, auto dealers and banks or credit unions); creates pamphlets and other published materials; responsible for media interviews; press releases and consumer alerts, public service announcements, and postings on the DOJ’s website and Facebook Page.

The position also works with County Attorneys and various trade or business associations and consumer advocacy organizations such as AARP and BBB.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree.

Admission to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.

Two years of supervisory experience.

At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience.

If licensed in another state, must be able to become licensed to practice law in Montana within one year of hire. Incumbent is responsible for paying fees for MT State licensure.

Eligible to be admitted to practice in federal and state courts, as needed.

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Preferred Qualifications

At least two years of specialized law and litigation experience, preferably in consumer protection.

Background in criminal or civil investigations.

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.

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.

Additional Information
This Organization Participates in E‑Verify. Minorities are under‑represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

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