Consumer Protection 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:

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. The Unit:

• 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.

This position requires knowledge of personnel procedures, policies, and management practices and techniques. Superior knowledge of sources of Montana law and other applicable law. Knowledge of Montana criminal law and procedure, Montana Rules of Civil Procedure and Montana Rules of Evidence. Skilled in the use of personal computer and standard office equipment and working knowledge of word processing software, hardware, and databases. Skilled at implementing organized and effective work practices. Superior advocacy, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Excellent legal research and writing skills, including citation format.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Background in criminal or civil investigations.

Special Instructions:

If you have been practicing law for five years or less, please provide a copy of your law school transcript.

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 cover letter, 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

• Intensive Background Investigation

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Resume: 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 resume 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 Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

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

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State 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.