Experience Required Three (3) years practicing civil law

Minimum Education Required Juris Doctor degree

Compensation $133,866.52 - $148,740.47 / yearly

Hours Per Week 40

Number Of Positions 1

Job Description STILLWATER COUNTY

Job Description

CLASS TITLE: Attorney

DEPARTMENT: County Attorney

ACCOUNTABLE TO: County Attorney and Stillwater County Commission

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REVISION DATE: August 18, 2025

SUMMARY OF WORK: This position is responsible for providing civil legal services and duties to the various departments of the Stillwater County Government on a half time basis as well as providing legal advice and guidance to the County Commission, Elected Officials, and Appointed Officials on a regular basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides competent civil legal services and duties to the various departments of Stillwater County Government.
Provides legal advice and guidance to the County Commission, all county departments, the Solid Waste Department, and county related boards such as the County Planning Board and RSID's.
Provides legal assistance and legal advice relative to county projects, county contracts, subdivision reviews, tax issues, road issues and concerns, personnel problems, and issues, etc.
Reviews contracts, petitions, and official documents to determine the level of statutory satisfaction that is involved.
Drafts and reviews legal documents including contracts, leases, deeds, easements, resolutions, ordinances, regulations, correspondence, legal memoranda, and legal pleadings.
Provides legal opinion on all decisions dealing with the purpose of local government aside from criminal matters.
Represents Stillwater County Government on civil matters involved in the courts and represents the county in all litigation not covered by the County's insurer.
Provides legal opinion on matters important to road projects, right-of-way determination, abandonment, legal access and egress, and other matters important to clarification and function of the road department.
Offers advice to districts that are a part of the functions of local government.
Assists in the legal aspects of mine impact, zoning, public land use, and county responsibility in these matters.
Performs other related duties as required or services on an as-needed basis.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORKERS: None

EDUCATION,TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the Montana State Bar (or ability to obtain).
At least three (3) years of experience practicing civil law, with demonstrated background in public sector law preferred.
Strong knowledge of public sector law, civil litigation, contracts, land use, employment/personnel law, and local government legal issues.
Training/experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, mediation, and risk management.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with county officials, boards, and the public.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and handle sensitive or adversarial situations professionally.
Must maintain confidentiality and comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

EXAMPLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND EXPECTATIONS:
Provides accurate and timely legal advice and representation to the County Commission, elected officials, and county departments.
Prepares clear, thorough, and legally sound documents, including contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and pleadings.
Meets deadlines for legal filings, reports, and advisory opinions.
Demonstrates professionalism and tact when dealing with county staff, the public, and opposing counsel, even in stressful or adversarial situations.
Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to professional and ethical standards, including the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct.
Keeps current on legislative and legal developments affecting county operations and communicates relevant changes proactively.
Manages multiple legal matters effectively, prioritizing tasks to minimize risk and liability for the County.
Demonstrates reliable attendance, punctuality, and responsiveness to requests for legal services.
Establishes and maintains cooperative, respectful working relationships with colleagues, officials, and the public.
Uses sound judgment and provides practical, solutions-oriented legal guidance that supports effective county governance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Primarily sedentary office work requiring extended periods of sitting, reading, and computer use.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in public speaking settings.
Occasional travel to courts, meetings, and trainings.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under stress and deadlines.

Is this a registered apprenticeship? False

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

202606

Application Instructions

Application can be found online at www.stillwatercountymt.gov

Or pick up an application at 400 E 3rd Ave N. (4th Floor), Columbus, MT

Stillwater County

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