Criminal Prosecutor

Job Description - Criminal Prosecutor (26141353)

Position Title:

Criminal Prosecutor - (26141353)

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26141353&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Help protect Montana's workforce system and ensure public funds are used lawfully and responsibly. This role offers experienced criminal litigators the opportunity to apply their courtroom skills in a focused, mission-driven environment. You will contribute directly to maintaining trust in the unemployment insurance system while growing your expertise in fraud enforcement and public service law.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It''s about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Legal Services unit within the Montana Department of Labor & Industry provides legal guidance and enforcement support to uphold state workforce laws and programs. This position serves as a dedicated Unemployment Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, responsible for leading criminal enforcement actions related to UI fraud. The role manages a full caseload from referral through resolution and works closely with investigators, program staff, and external partners. This position supports the division's goals by ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound enforcement of fraud statutes.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Meaningful public impact: Contribute directly to protecting public funds and maintaining trust in Montana's unemployment insurance system.
• Substantial courtroom experience: Handle a consistent caseload with opportunities for hearings, trials, and appellate work.
• Professional autonomy: Manage your own cases and exercise independent judgment in legal strategy and decision-making.
• Specialized practice development: Build deep expertise in fraud prosecution, financial evidence analysis, and administrative law intersections.
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside experienced investigators, attorneys, and program experts in a supportive, mission-driven setting.
• Career growth and stability: Develop skills that translate across public sector legal roles while benefiting from the stability of state employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Evaluate case referrals: Reviews investigative findings and determines whether criminal prosecution is appropriate under Montana law.
• Lead criminal prosecutions: Manages all phases of prosecution, including charging decisions, motion practice, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and appeals.
• Draft legal pleadings: Prepares and argues complaints, information, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
• Collaborate on investigations: Partners with investigators and program staff to develop cases, gather evidence, and prepare witnesses.
• Analyze financial evidence: Interprets complex wage, benefit, and financial records to establish fraud and support restitution outcomes.
• Coordinate with partners: Works with the Montana Department of Justice, county attorneys, and law enforcement agencies on case strategy and prosecution.
• Provide legal guidance: Advises and trains agency staff on fraud detection, legal standards, and evidentiary requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Criminal litigation expertise: Apply advanced courtroom skills, including motion practice, evidentiary hearings, and witness examination.
• Legal research and writing: Analyze legal issues and produce clear, well-supported written arguments and court documents.
• Regulatory analysis and application: Interpret and apply Montana criminal statutes and related legal standards to complex fraud cases.
• Independent case management: Manage a full caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, and make sound prosecutorial decisions.
• Collaboration and partnership: Work effectively with investigators, attorneys, and external justice partners to advance cases.
• Analytical problem-solving: Evaluate financial and factual evidence to build strong, legally sound cases.
• Professional judgment and ethics: Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and uphold high ethical standards in public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Montana, or eligible for admission within a reasonable timeframe.
• Demonstrated experience in criminal litigation, including trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and case resolution.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, and legal standards in complex or high-stakes matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting legal arguments and explaining complex issues to varied audiences.
• Experience managing sensitive or confidential information with sound judgment and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• You must be able to pass a background check.

A degree in law is required for this position. Equivalent combinations of relevant legal experience and demonstrated competencies may be considered where applicable.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as "RELEVANT" or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified required skills and competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You'll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory 2% an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

E-Verify: This agency is participating 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/

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

52.30 - 54.49 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Labor & Industry Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: May 22, 2026, 3:07:10 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Jun 1, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Office of Human Resources | Contact Email: dliapps@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-7069 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.