Montana Legal Services Association · 6 hours ago
Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence
Missoula, Montana, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$60K/yr - $74K/yr
3+ years expMontana Legal Services Association is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide poverty law services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking throughout the state of Montana. The role involves representing victims, advising clients in civil matters, and developing educational programs related to legal rights for domestic violence survivors.
Law EnforcementLegalNon ProfitPublic Safety
Responsibilities
Represent domestic and sexual violence victims statewide with a focus on rural populations and American Indian Reservations in Western Montana
Interview, meet with, advise, and represent eligible clients in civil matters
Conduct safety planning with clients and connect them to appropriate resources
Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work
Work primarily in the area of family law, but may also assist with other poverty law issues including consumer, housing, employment, public benefits, and probate for domestic and sexual violence survivors
Hold regular office hours as required at partner agencies, on the reservation, or in other communities that may be assigned based on grant funding
Develop law-related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding the legal rights and responsibilities of domestic and sexual violence survivors
Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of the legal needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors, and of general poverty law issues
Provide services ranging from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting MLSA clients
Work with other MLSA staff to recruit, train and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate
Participate in MLSA’s statewide initiatives and impact work, and implementing grant and contract requirements through casework
Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Director of Advocacy or Executive Director
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Admission to the Montana Bar or ability to obtain admission
Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
Commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations insuring equal access to justice
A willingness to assume a varied case load
Ability and willingness to learn and integrate new technologies and methodologies to efficiently perform
A willingness to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, the public, judges, court personnel, project partners and the
Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law
Ability to travel in state and outside Montana, occasionally
Preferred
At least three years' experience in the practice of law
Background working with survivors of domestic violence
An understanding of the civil equal justice legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems, and of effective approaches and methods for addressing those needs
Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse groups of colleagues, firm partners, and clients who have varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and expertise
Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low-income people
Company
Montana Legal Services Association
MLSA is a non-profit firm that provides legal services for domestic violence, education, legal information, representation, and advice.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$0.12MKey Investors
AmeriCorps Public Allies
2024-07-30Grant· $0.12M
Leadership Team
Alison Paul
Executive Director
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