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