Domestic Violence Legal Assistant

The Legal Assistant provides support for the Domestic Violence Staff Attorney and for the Domestic Violence Practice Group. This position conducts intake screening, supports the DV attorneys, provides pro se assistance to clients and coordinates communication between the applicants, clients, intake specialists, and Domestic Violence Staff Attorneys regarding case status.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls from survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and conduct intake screenings.


• Timely communicate with victims of domestic violence applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed.


• Perform conflict screening, assist applicants with forms and coordinate with intake staff in the gathering of relevant information.


• Provide overall support to DV Staff Attorneys.


• Connect survivors to pro bono attorneys as needed.


• Draft correspondence and simple pleadings or use appropriate MLSA forms.


• Calendar case-related dates and events in the system.


• File pleadings in local courts (conventional and electronic), including tribal courts; service of court filings and discovery; investigate, examine and analyze documents obtained from the court files, in discovery and from other sources as needed or requested.


• Assist with case file management including organizing and maintaining electronic and paper files.


• Work with other MLSA staff to recruit and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate.


• Other duties as assigned by the DV Staff Attorney and MLSA management.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or paralegal training, equivalent professional experience will be considered.


• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking.


• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice, community-based advocacy, or the high quality delivery of legal services.


• Strong program coordination, project management, and organizational skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners including courts, tribal communities, advocacy organizations, and legal professionals.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse groups of colleagues and clients who have varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and expertise.


• Comfort with data tracking, reporting, and documentation.


• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight.

Preferred

• Experience in legal services, court systems, or victim advocacy.


• Background working with survivors of domestic violence.


• Familiarity with Montana Justice and City Court procedures.


• Experience with grant-funded program reporting and management.


• Understanding of professional conduct rules or legal ethics (training provided).

Competencies

• Commitment to trauma-informed practice.

• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially with multiple timelines within a decentralized statewide law firm.

• High attention to detail and consistent follow-through.


• Skilled interpersonal communicator able to work in multidisciplinary teams.


• Respect for confidentiality and strong ethical judgment.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment with travel required, including to rural and tribal communities.


• Primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment, requiring regular computer use and the ability to alternate between sitting and standing at a workstation for most of the workday.


• Occasional evening or weekend training sessions.


• Must possess a valid driver’s license.