Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence

This Staff Attorney position will provide poverty law services to domestic and sexual violence victims throughout the state of Montana. 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.

Specific Duties

• 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.

• 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 in 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 victims.

• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of the legal needs of domestic violence victims, 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 implement grant and contract requirements through casework.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervising attorney or the Director of Advocacy.

Requirements

• Law Degree and current license to practice law in Montana, preferred.
• Prior legal services experience preferred, particularly experience working with domestic and sexual violence victims.
• A willingness to assume a varied case load.
• An understanding of the civil legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems.

• Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low income people.
• Ability to take and pass Tribal Bar exams, as required.

• Ability to effectively communicate, to motivate others, and to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people with varying perspectives, and experience and expertise.
• 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 and the bar.
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented environment.
• A “can do” attitude and a willingness to pitch in where needed.
• Strong commitment to insuring equal access to justice.
• Proficient at the use of technology, including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, internet-based programs and computer-based legal research.
• Overnight and day travel is required, both in and out of the state of Montana.