Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible. You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while representing those without a voice in our legal system.
MLSA is a progressive Montana non-profit law firm. We offer our staff challenging and fulfilling work, where you can go home each day knowing you made a tangible difference. MLSA provides a supportive and collegial work environment, a healthy work-life balance, and a generous benefits package.
Who We Are: MLSA is committed to the idea that equal justice under the law is a right, not a privilege. We are zealous advocates for Montanans who struggle to make ends meet and deserve their day in court.
• Our attorneys have pursued impact litigation all the way to Montana’s Supreme Court, helping to level the playing field for all Montanans.
• Our staff works with clients statewide and within Montana’s Tribal Courts.
• We are nationally recognized for our forward-thinking approach to civil legal aid and for our use of technology to advance the cause of justice for all in Montana.
The Position: The Staff Attorney can be part-time to full-time and based in Livingston or Red Lodge, Montana. The Attorney will work in partnership with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Red Lodge, Montana, and ASPEN in Livingston, Montana. The full-time pay we’re offering is $57,000 -$70,000, depending on experience.
• MLSA offers company-paid health, dental, vision and life insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and eligibility for a health reimbursement (HRA) or health savings account (HSA). MLSA contributes $1,250 to employees each year for an HRA or HSA;
• MLSA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) organization and additionally, attorney staff can be eligible for up to three separate Loan Repayment Assistance programs run through the Legal Services Corporation, Montana Justice Foundation, and MLSA. This additional amount for student loans can be anywhere from $2,400 - $14,200;
• We also offer a generous paid leave package, including 3 weeks of annual (10 hrs per month), personal and sick leave, and a wellness leave program;
• And if you move from another town in Montana to join us, we offer up to $500 for relocation reimbursement (or $1,000 if you move from out of state).
The Location (2 options):
Red Lodge, in the heart of Absaroka-Beartooth region in Montana. Red Lodge is part of the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area. Outdoor activities abound within minutes of Red Lodge and this city is known for their Clay Center where people spend 1-2 years in residence working and showcasing their artwork in the downtown studio location. Gardner, Wild Bill, and Beartooth Lakes are close by and are great places to have a picnic, camp, boat, or paddle board. You’ll enjoy easy access to natural hot springs, horseback riding, hiking, boating, skiing, and fly fishing. Next to Coal Miners Memorial Park, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary offers a refuge for animals native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Red Lodge is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, nestled against the Beartooth Mountains (Beartooth Highway) with Montana’s highest mountain peaks.
Livingston, the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park” now it’s where adventure, beautiful scenery and authentic, friendly folk await you at the edge of the Yellowstone River. The town is surrounded by four beautiful, wild mountain ranges that offer an abundance of outdoor activities year round. There are plenty of things to do in the area, from museums and hiking trails to swimming and fishing. You’ll find a small town with a rich history just a few miles from Bozeman.
Why Should You Apply?
• Live your values and put your law degree to work by representing people who deserve a voice in our legal system.
• Great benefits, generous leave, and competitive pay.
• Access to free CLE seminars and opportunities to attend national conferences and trainings.
• The chance to hone your litigation skills in a friendly and supportive work environment.
Requirements:
• A law degree and current license to practice law in Montana is preferred. We will consider applicants with the ability to waive in with a qualifying UBE score, or a willingness to take and pass the next Montana Bar Exam.
• Prior legal services experience is preferred, but a demonstrated commitment to social justice through volunteer activities and internships is valued.
• Overnight and day travel to surrounding communities is required as needed.
Responsibilities:
• Primarily represent survivors of family violence in Red Lodge, Montana, and the surrounding counties including Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Park and Meagher counties. Represent survivors throughout Montana as needed.
• 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.
• Provide legal services ranging from brief counsel and advice, to full-scale representation and litigation.
• Participate in MLSA’s statewide initiatives and impact work, and implement grant and contract requirements through casework.
How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to our posting on BambooHR. https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers/42?source=aWQ9Mzc%3D
Screening of applicants is ongoing and the position will remain open until filled. The priority deadline for applications is April 3, 2023.
Visit mtlsa.org to learn more about MLSA, our staff, and the work we do.