Paralegal

What are we looking for?
Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field emphasizing research, writing and analysis such as political science, public administration, criminal justice, history, English, communication, sociology, or a related discipline; OR

• Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent legal support training plus experience performing paralegal or legal support duties in a litigation practice; OR

• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of civil litigation in state and federal courts.

• Court rules and filing requirements

• Legal terminology and formats used in pleadings, discovery, and motions practice.

• Case-management software systems to track and organize litigation deadlines, tasks, documents, and case information.

• Standard office and litigation support software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and legal management tools.

Ability to:

• Prepare, track, proofread, format, and submit legal correspondence and documents such as complaints, motions, briefs, responses, subpoenas, discovery materials, and procedural filings.

• Use case-management software to open and maintain case files, track deadlines and tasks, and ensure accurate and timely updates to case information.

• Assist with investigating and organizing facts related to claims and lawsuits, including gathering documents, contacting agencies or witnesses for information, and summarizing factual materials.

• Organize and maintain case files, discovery materials, document-retention systems, and litigation calendars.

• Draft discovery, statements of facts, subpoenas, exhibit lists, and other supporting material.

• Manage calendars, meeting requests, and scheduling for attorneys.

• Coordinate travel, meetings, conferences, and related events.

• Understand written and verbal instructions and work independently, prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced litigation environment with multiple deadlines.

• Perform legal research using online tools under attorney supervision.

• Handle confidential and sensitive material appropriately.

• Work effectively with attorneys, staff, agency personnel, and other stakeholders.  

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Experience in civil litigation, especially defense, government, or insurance-related practice.

• Experience using case-management systems (for example, Clio, ProLaw, FileVine or similar).

• Experience preparing and managing discovery, evidence and trial materials.

• Strong analytical writing skills and investigative abilities.

Why you will love working here.

• Opportunity to do meaningful, mission-driven legal work.

• Exposure to complex, high-impact litigation across State agencies.

• Supportive work environment with mentoring from experienced attorneys.

• Opportunities to learn, take on increasing responsibility, and grow professionally.

• Excellent state benefits, retirement plan, paid leave, and job stability.

• Hybrid telework opportunities and a workplace that values work-life balance.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references.  (Please Note\: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system.  You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

 

Other important information to be aware of.

• Only online applications are accepted.  

• By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

The Department of Administration participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.   For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https\://www.e-verify.gov/.

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

Ø  Look here to see the additional benefits!  They include:

o    Work/life Balance

o    Health Coverage

o    Retirement plans

o    Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

o    And more…

Ø  Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration.  Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships, built on mutual trust and respect.  We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed. 

What is this career opportunity?
We are seeking a motivated Paralegal to join the State of Montana’s Risk Management and Tort Defense Division. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to do meaningful legal work, strengthen their litigation skills, and serve the public through work that directly supports State agencies and employees in complex civil matters.

Our team defends state agencies and employees in a wide range of civil rights and tort cases filed in state and federal courts. These matters often involve unique legal issues, multiple parties, and high-stakes outcomes, offering you the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, challenging litigation.

In this role, you will work closely with experienced attorneys, receive training and mentorship, and develop strong skills in case management, discovery, legal research, and factual investigation. You will enjoy a stable, supportive working environment, meaningful public service, professional growth, and excellent state benefits. The position offers a hybrid telework arrangement with required weekly in-office days in Helena. Specific telework conditions will be outlined in any job offer and must comply with State policy. (You can learn more about the Risk Management and Tort Defense Division here.)  

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's 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.