Tobacco Attorney

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\:

The Tobacco Attorney is a part of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and is responsible for diligently enforcing the 1998 Tobacco Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (MSA), including investigations and prosecutions of Montana’s tobacco laws. (MCA §§ 16-11-401 to 16-11-512) The MSA requires tobacco companies to make payments to states in perpetuity, and prohibits tobacco companies from advertising to children, and from making false claims about the health effects of cigarettes. The MSA requires each state to diligently enforce certain tobacco laws. The MSA brings substantial funding to the State, in recent years between $27 and $33 million per year, continued receipt of which is, to a significant extent, dependent on tobacco law enforcement.

The Attorney represents the State of Montana in complex and routine civil litigation in state and federal courts, and in administrative forums. These cases are extremely diverse, and include, but are not limited to, the following\: the MSA, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, the False Claims Act, the unauthorized practice of law, and Montana statutes which affect non-profit corporations, and charitable trusts.

The Attorney participates in multi-state examination, investigation, and litigation enforcing the MSA and consumer protection laws through conference calls and working groups.

This position supervises the Tobacco Paralegal and reports to the OCP Bureau Chief.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review of applications November 2nd. 

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 one year of hire. 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\:

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

Special Instructions\:

You are REQUIRED to attach a cover letter, résumé and a legal writing sample of 3000 words or less, from a document or portion thereof, prepared within the last three 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 writing sample, 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 Check

• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY\:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a résumé, cover letter and writing sample at the time of application.

Tip\: When attaching your resume, cover letter, and writing sample, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.

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 résumé 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[email protected]viaFile Transfer Service.

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generousState 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.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

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.