Appellate Defender

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. Please include a writing sample with your submission. This position will remain open until filled, with the first screening occurring on October 16, 2026.

Our Mission

To provide timely, effective, and equitable representation to clients.

Our Vision

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender: Our work changes lives! OPD’s work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness – visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References: Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.
• Writing Sample

About this Opportunity!

Job Overview:

Appellate Defenders provide efficient and effective representation to clients entitled to representation by the Appellate Defender Division (Division) of the Office of State Public Defender (Agency) as they pursue appellate review of lower court cases in the Montana Supreme Court. Appellate Defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and render timely, efficient, and effective legal services for all cases handled by the Division, which involve a variety of fields of law, and which range from routine to complex constitutional, high profile, and death penalty litigation. This position provides information and legal advice to clients regarding the appeal process, advises on the options available in the state court system, and determines how to present cases to the Montana Supreme Court. Additionally, Appellate Defenders may provide legal advice and training to other public defenders and to contract attorneys for the Agency. Appellate Defenders must have passion for public defense, and a commitment and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations and must continually advocate and strive to improve the level of service to our clients provided by themselves, their team, the Division, and the Agency.

This position reports to a Managing Appellate Defender.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: