Finding Law Jobs in Montana: Career Options and Advice

Montana Legal Employment Overview

The legal job market in Montana is both promising and challenging. With a steady population growth of 0.9% from the previous year, more firms have opened to cater to more clients. Despite this encouraging figure, the demand for lawyers and other legal professionals has not increased at the same pace. As such, these legal job openings often elicit a competitive pool of applicants. Employment is comparable to or even higher than the national average. Through the year 2026 , there are expected to be 50 to 70 job openings within the state for lawyers. Older lawyers are retiring at a higher rate, but the ones that do relocate to Montana are taking care of the slots that have opened, as are those who are coming in to fill other positions in the Midwest and Western U.S. With the population on the rise, the demand for legal services has increased over the years. In response, it is expected that nonlegal jobs in support of lawyers will increase in the coming years, as office managers, paralegals, and others continue to be in high demand.

Montana’s Top Law Firms and Employers

Montana is a sparsely populated state with the lowest population density of any U.S. state, so it should come as no surprise that its major cities boast only a handful of law firms. The majority of attorneys in the state practice in Great Falls and in Billings, but there are only three major law firms in the state capital of Helena.
Billings is the largest city in Montana, and is considered a business hub for the state. Roth Law Firm is one of the few local law firms that provides comprehensive services to clients based in the Billings area. The firm is a trusted advisor to local business owners, and is involved in important business transactions throughout the region.
Over in Great Falls, the law office Bertoglio, Miller & Black, P.C. provides trusted legal services for clients throughout the Cascade County region. The firm has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers in recognition of their integrity, skill, and results for clients. This firm regularly hires new attorneys.
Major firms in Helena include Crowley Fleck, Peete and Bailey, and Solberg Korioth. These firms have long histories in the capital, and are known as two of the top firms in the state.
New attorneys will also find opportunities in with public sector employers. Those looking for government work should consider filing civil service applications for the Administrative Office of the Supreme Court, the Office of Public Defender, or the Department of Administration.

General Legal Jobs in Montana

The legal field in Montana opens its doors to specialists in paralegal services, with specialized training and a long tradition of supporting attorneys in their work. For those with an eye toward the future, this is a great opportunity for professionals in this industry to distinguish themselves. Individuals with expertise in a variety of areas, from business operations to financial analysis, find that they are highly sought after for paralegal positions. While paralegals and legal assistants are not licensed as attorneys, the field is still highly competitive, and students must demonstrate high levels of competence and employ professionalism at all times. Those looking for government roles find that job opportunities with the Montana Department of Justice and with personal and legal services are plentiful and available to individuals at all stages in their careers in the legal field. Of particular note are the dedicated roles devoted to understanding and implementing mediation between individuals who are seeking solutions for a wide range of disputes. This occupation can be broadly defined to include mediator support, conflict managers, lawyers, and other professionals in the field of mediation. This specialization has opened up opportunities in the legal market for individuals to have greater depth in key practice areas while offering a growing employment base to those who seek them. The role of judge and magistrate are also in high demand as the legal system continues to evolve in Montana. Those who possess calm temperaments, sound reasoning abilities, and the time to be a Magistrate will find rewarding careers in both federal and state courts. This role is responsible for specialist functions in the court system and support of local judges. With experience in legal analysis, proceedings, and adjudication mechanisms, judges are responsible for the presiding over the entire case process, reviewing briefs and records, and issuing temporary orders and judgments on contested issues. Well-organized individuals with the capacity to multi-task will succeed in these roles. Lawyers will find diverse practice options in the state. A number of options exist for those who wish to join firms and those who wish to operate independently. Operations are spread throughout the state, and opportunities are available for those who might be willing to relocate. These positions represent a traditional model of practice and are still in high demand.

Legal Education and Licensing

To become a practicing lawyer in Montana, candidates must obtain a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Several institutions offer an advanced degree program essential for admission into the Montana State Bar. Law schools in Montana include: Montana State University College of Law. University of Montana School of Law. The two-year program offered by the University of Montana School of Law is only open to applicants from certain countries. The Montana Board of Bar Examiners administers the Montana bar examination biannually, in February and July. The exam generally takes place during the last week of July and January. Applicants must have completed at least four months of legal education and are only qualified to take the bar exam after they have completed their first year of law school. The written exams are administered over two days. The topics covered include criminal law, constitutional law, contracts and family law. With new attorneys admitted to the Montana Bar or who pass the exam on their first attempt, an oath of admission is given before the Montana Supreme Court. Admission does not constitute actual employment in the legal profession. Each state has laws and rules specifically related to people in the legal profession, such as judges, prosecutors and law students. Lawyers who intend to seek admission in Montana must complete an application form and pay a fee. After that, the Montana Board of Bar Examiners conducts a full screening which may involve additional applications. If all goes as planned, applicants are admitted on certificates of admission. Once admitted to the bar, lawyers are required to join a continuing legal education program. The Montana Continuing Legal Education Committee has established regulations that prescribe the subjects to be covered by a continuous program offered by accredited organizations. Once every three years, the Board of Continuing Legal Education requires licensed lawyers to take 30 credit-hours of continuing legal education. Lawyers should obtain four credit hours of ethics, including programs about attorney trust accounts, professional conduct and client confidentiality. Lawyers are also required to complete an initial basic computer literacy test.

Compensation for Law Professionals

The salary expectations for legal professionals in Montana can vary significantly based on a range of factors, including experience level, area of specialization, geographic location, and the size and type of employer. For instance, an entry-level attorney in an urban area like Billings or Missoula may expect to earn less than a seasoned attorney working in a niche practice area at a large firm.
On average, salaries for legal assistants in Montana range between $43,000 to $56,000 per year. Paralegals in Montana make approximately $49,000 per year. For attorneys, the annual salary is more influenced by experience, ranging from around $55,000 for a junior lawyer to up to $135 , 000 or more for partners at top firms. In-house counsel salaries also vary considerably, with a range of $70,000 to $140,000 depending on the company and the experience of the attorney.
Largest employers of legal professionals in Montana: A variety of entities employ attorneys, ranging from government agencies, businesses, and law firms to non-profit organizations and corporate legal departments. The most common employers in Montana for legal professionals are healthcare service providers, which employ over 30 percent of attorneys in the state, followed by legal services and government agencies, with a respective employment share of almost 17 and 14 percent.

A Guide to Job Searching in the Montana Legal Market

When embarking on the job search in the Montana legal sector, it is imperative to leverage every available resource. Numerous online and in-person resources are at your disposal to find the best job opportunities in the state. For those who live outside of Montana, or those who seek to relocate to the state, the Montana State Bar website is an indispensable resource. The ("Lawyer" Section) of the site offers a number of helpful resources for the job seeker, including a job board that is updated frequently. Job seekers can also create a personal attorney profile that will be searchable to Montana residents. By providing your information on the State Bar site, you will be able to more easily connect with future clients. Attending a local bar meeting is another excellent way to connect with lawyers and judges from around the state. Even if you currently live in another city or state, attending "Montana Law Weekend" is worthwhile. Lawyers from all over the state gather for continuing education classes, networking opportunities, and social events. Bringing business cards to distribute to those you meet will help make a great impression. Contacting Bar Associations like the Lewis and Clark County Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Association of Montana is another effective strategy for finding an ideal law job in the state. Local Bar Associations also host networking events, continuing education programs, and additional social gatherings. Attorney Robert Peccia, in an article for the Young Lawyer Association, advises prospective applicants to take advantage of interview preparation sessions offered by law schools in other states and locals. By conducting practice interviews, you will be able to highlight your best attributes and lower nervousness, thereby improving your chances of success in your real interview.

Living as a Lawyer in Montana

Montana, with its rich history and diverse geography, offers its legal professionals a unique living experience that combines the advantages of rural tranquility with the benefits of a vibrant outdoor culture. The state is often lauded for its affordable cost of living when compared to national averages. Housing prices are much lower than in many urban states, making it easier for legal professionals to purchase homes and settle down.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Montana is an ideal location. With the Rocky Mountains to the west, and the Great Plains to the east, the state’s landscape is a playground for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the nation’s most iconic national parks — Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park — are located in Montana.
When considering the quality of life in Montana , many legal professionals will find the work-life balance amicable. The state is not known for being highly urbanized or heavily populated; rural towns are common. This means shorter commutes, slower paces, and higher community involvement. Montana offers a combination of vibrant small-town living with the comforts of modern amenities. Because of its population density, the state also offers a serene work environment for legal professionals looking to reduce their stress levels.
The lifestyle benefits of living in Montana extend to the legal professional. The job market is healthy and there are plenty of prospects to choose from. Entry-level legal jobs in law firms and public organizations are abundant, allowing junior professionals to build their skills and experience relatively quickly. Senior lawyers in Montana also have the added advantage of being in demand — something that enables them to pick and choose their clients much easier than in urban markets.