Job type:
Legal - Civil
Position Description:
This Staff Attorney position will provide poverty law services to domestic violence survivors throughout the state of Montana, concentrating on services to Native American survivors. Requires travel within Montana.
Specific Duties
- Interviewing, meeting with, advising, and representing eligible clients on civil matters.
- Developing and maintaining specialized knowledge of the legal needs of domestic violence victims, and of general poverty law issues.
- Providing services ranging from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting MLSA clients.
- Composing correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
- Researching the law and preparing memoranda.
- Working with other MLSA staff to recruit, train and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate.
- Participating in MLSA’s statewide initiatives and impact work, and implementing grant and contract requirements through casework.
- Other duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney.
Requirements:
- Law Degree and current license to practice law in Montana. Minimum of five years experience in the practice of law, preferred.
- Experience in Indian Law, preferred.
- Prior legal services experience preferred, particularly experience working with domestic 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 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.
- Ability to travel within the state of Montana, occasionally overnight.
To apply:
Send a letter of interest, three professional references, writing sample, and resume to [email protected]. Submission Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin on March 1, 2016, and will continue until the time of selection.
Notes:
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary: $48,000. MLSA offers an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement and educational loan repayment assistance.
Salary range:
$48,000 per year
Submission deadline:
Friday, March 18, 2016