Civil Deputy County Attorney

This position is located in the Gallatin County Attorney's office. This position represents Gallatin County 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 Gallatin County 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.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.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 and three (3) years of legal experience. 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 drivers license and be insurable under the countys liability policies.
About Gallatin County:

Located in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Gallatin County is the most populated and fastest growing county in scenic southwest Montana. The County Seat of Bozeman at large encompasses over 50,000 people, yet has a small town feel. Located in a breathtaking Rocky Mountain setting, it is close to world-class downhill skiing, blue ribbon trout streams, Yellowstone National Park and a multitude of other outdoor activities in the pristine nearby wilderness areas.

Gallatin County covers over 2,500 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks and open ranch lands. Nearly half of all the land in Gallatin County is under public ownership by the Gallatin National Forest, the State of Montana, Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service.

Gallatin County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Yellowstone National Park (our first National Park) to lush farmland, and a growing economy of high-tech industries. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, ranchers, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Gallatin County's boundless opportunities.

Some of the many benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $205.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $400 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

To see all of our benefits, please click on the benefits tab.

To be considered, the following attachments must be uploaded to your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume and three references
• Legal writing sample

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.