Paralegal 1

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=26142558&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Help protect Montana consumers and support fair treatment of licensed professionals by keeping occupational licensing cases accurate and on schedule from the start. As a Paralegal 1 with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, you will support a fair, lawful, and efficient process that serves both the public and Montana's professional workforce. You will take ownership of important early-stage casework and work alongside attorneys, compliance staff, and investigators. This role offers practical legal experience in occupational licensing and criminal prosecution support, with attorney guidance to help you grow.

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 Office of Legal Services provides legal support for the department's programs, including enforcement of occupational licensing requirements. This position handles the opening stages of licensing matters, from opening and assessing a case through the first notice that a complaint has been filed. The Paralegal 1 may also help attorneys prepare notices after cause findings and support criminal prosecutions. The position reports to the Compliance, Investigation, & Data Manager and helps the division resolve cases fairly and on time by keeping case records complete and reliable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS\:

• Open licensing matters\: Organizes incoming case materials, sets up and maintains accurate files, identifies missing documents, and records key dates and next steps.
• Manage initial notices\: Prepares and coordinates initial notices and requests for response in occupational licensing matters. Tracks delivery, response periods, follow-up, and incoming responses, and raises questions or issues with the responsible attorney.
• Maintain complete case records\: Keeps documents and case information current in the office's systems, organizes evidence, tracks deadlines, and prepares short case status updates for the team.
• Support cause finding notices\: Assembles and reviews the supporting record, identifies factual or documentary gaps, and helps attorneys draft and revise notices after cause findings, subject to attorney review and approval.
• Support criminal prosecutions\: Organizes investigative materials and exhibits, helps prepare filings and hearing materials, tracks deadlines, and shares case information with the prosecuting attorney and investigators.
• Coordinate with case participants\: Works with licensing staff, attorneys, investigators, and others to gather information and keep matters moving while protecting confidential information.