Description

Staff Attorneys, Domestic Violence

Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible. You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while representing those without a voice in our legal system.

MLSA is a progressive Montana non-profit law firm. We offer our staff challenging and fulfilling work, where you can go home each day knowing you made a tangible difference. MLSA provides a supportive and collegial work environment, a healthy work-life balance, and a generous benefits package.

MLSA is an equal opportunity employer and we consider the diversity of our staff to be vital to our organization's success. We strongly encourage and welcome people of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.

Who We Are: MLSA is committed to the idea that equal justice under the law is a right, not a privilege. We are zealous advocates for Montanans who struggle to make ends meet and deserve their day in court.

•        Our attorneys have pursued impact litigation all the way to Montana’s Supreme Court, helping to level the playing field for all Montanans.
•        Our staff works with clients statewide and within Montana’s Tribal Courts.
•        We are nationally recognized for our forward-thinking approach to civil legal aid and for our use of technology to advance the cause of justice for all in Montana.

The Position: We are looking for two full-time staff attorneys. One will be in Missoula and the other in Billings. The full-time pay we offer is $60,500 -$74,000, depending on experience. While salary is our direct compensation, we have one of the best benefits packages in the state. Here are highlights:

•        MLSA has a full-time, 35 hour work week.
•        MLSA offers company-paid health, dental, vision and life insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and eligibility for a health reimbursement (HRA) or health savings account (HSA). MLSA contributes $1,600 to employees each year for an HRA or HSA;
•        MLSA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) organization and additionally, attorney staff can be eligible for up to three separate Loan Repayment Assistance programs run through the Legal Services Corporation, Montana Justice Foundation, and MLSA. This additional amount for student loans can be anywhere from $2,400 - $14,200;
•        We also offer a generous paid leave package, including 3 weeks of annual (10 hrs per month) in the first year, sick leave, and a wellness leave program;
•        And if you move from another town in Montana to join us, we offer up to $500 for relocation reimbursement (or $1,000 if you move from out of state).

Requirements:

•        Law Degree.
•        An understanding of the legal needs of domestic violence, sexual assault survivors, and Montanans in poverty including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems.
•        Ability and willingness to learn and integrate new technologies and methodologies to efficiently perform responsibilities.
•        A willingness to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, the public, judges, court personnel, project partners and the bar.
•        Overnight and day travel to surrounding communities is required as needed.

Responsibilities:

•        Interview, meet with, advise, and represent eligible clients on civil matters.
•        Conduct safety planning with clients and connect them to appropriate resources.
•        Compose correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
•        Develop law related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding the legal rights of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
•        Research the law and prepare memoranda.
•        Handle all aspects of a client’s legal matter, including preparing pleadings, negotiation, mediation and trial work.

Locations:

Missoula, Montana, made famous by A River Runs Through It. The outdoor recreational opportunities are limitless. Whether you’re getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, the AllTrails app shows 67 scenic trails in the Missoula area. Missoula is rich in arts and culture and entertainment in Missoula isn’t hard to find. There is always something going on and the venues to check out include the Wilma, Top Hat, KettleHouse Amphitheater, and Dennison Theatre. Find a place to grab a beer, bite to eat, sip a cocktail on a riverside deck or dance the night away to live, local music – downtown Missoula is the place to be. Also, check out Rockin Rudy’s – you’ll thank us later.

Billings: The largest city in Montana, Billings has plenty to offer and maintains the feel of small town Montana. Bursting with craft beer, Montana’s only walkable brewery trail is located close to our office, in the heart of downtown Billings. A self-guided tour is made up of six breweries, two distilleries and one cider house. Nestled in between sandstone cliffs and the Beartooth Mountains which gives Billings the “Montana’s Trailhead” name. There is a path for any personality: Arts & Culture Aficionado, History Buff, Outdoor Enthusiast, Foodie, Roadtripper, Shopaholic, Wellness, and Family Adventures.

Why Should You Apply?

•        Live your values and put your law degree to work by representing people who deserve a voice in our legal system.
•        Great benefits, generous leave, and competitive pay.
•        Access to free CLE seminars and opportunities to attend national conferences and trainings.
•        The chance to hone your litigation skills in a friendly and supportive work environment.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to our posting on BambooHR. Screening of applicants is ongoing and the position will remain open until filled.

All applicants must apply though our BambooHR career site here – https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers

Visit mtlsa.org to learn more about MLSA, our staff, and the work we do.