Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence

Status:            Exempt

The Staff Attorney position based in Butte or Helena, MT, will provide civil legal assistance to clients of the Safe Space domestic violence organization and to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Silver Bow, Powell, Deer Lodge, Granite, and Jefferson counties. Services provided will range from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation.

This position will handle all aspects of legal representation for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, and hearing and trial work. Areas of law covered will include all aspects of civil poverty law, but will be focused primarily on family law and Orders of Protection.  The staff attorney will also participate in MLSA’s statewide initiatives, implement grant and contract requirements through casework and foster pro bono involvement with the private bar.

Specific Duties

• Interview, meet with, advise, and represent eligible clients on civil matters.
• Conduct safety planning with clients and connect them to appropriate resources.
• Compose correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
• Develop law related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding the legal rights of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Research the law and prepare memoranda.
• Handle all aspects of a client’s legal matter, including preparing pleadings, negotiation, mediation and trial work.
• Work with other MLSA staff to recruit, train and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, and general poverty law issues.
• Participate in MLSA statewide initiatives and impact work.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Director of Advocacy.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Law Degree.
• A willingness to assume a varied case load.

• Ability to take and pass Tribal Bar exams as required.

• Ability to effectively communicate with and motivate others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people with varying perspectives, 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, hospital 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 conduct overnight travel within the state of Montana.
• Ability to travel out of state for conferences, training or other meetings as required.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• At least 3 years’ experience in the practice of law.
• Current license to practice law in Montana.
• 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.

MLSA is an equal opportunity employer and we consider the diversity of our staff to be vital to our organization's success. We strongly encourage and welcome people of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.

Salary : $60,500 - $74,000