Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence

This Staff Attorney position will provide poverty law services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking throughout the state of Montana. Current grant funding at present concentrates services for this position in Western Montana, primarily the communities of Missoula and Hamilton, and on serving American Indians from the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations, and members of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Services provided will range from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation.

Key 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


• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Competencies

• Commitment 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.

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.