VA Legal Services Attorney

VA Staff Attorney

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.

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.

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: We are looking for a full-time staff attorney to be based in MLSA’s Helena office. The full-time pay we’re offering is $57,000 -$74,000, depending on experience.

• MLSA has a full-time, 35 hour work week.
• 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 $1,600 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) in the first year, 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).

Requirements:

• Law Degree.
• A willingness to assume a varied case load.
• Ability to effectively communicate, to motivate others, and to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people with varying perspectives, and experience and expertise.
• 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:

• • Conduct training, hold regular office hours, and provide legal services to address patients’ needs at the VA.
  • Provide orientation and training activities for VA partners, including how to make appropriate referrals.
  • Interview, advise, and represent eligible clients in civil matters.
  • Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of the health-harming legal needs of patients.
  • Consult with VA personnel on the health harming legal needs of patients.
• Provide services ranging from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting patients at the VA.

The Location:

Helena: Montana’s capital city, centrally located for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Helena offers over 80 miles of hiking trails accessible from downtown and its nationally recognized mountain biking trail system offers a full range of expert to family-friendly rides. Cross-country ski trails abound and the local downhill ski area is just 23 miles from Helena and boasts affordable lift tickets, short lift lines, and night skiing on Fridays. Home of the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena Symphony, and many other theaters and museums gives Helena the title, #1 small arts community in the country. Our Helena office is a short walk to Downtown Helena and the Great Northern Town Center featuring great local coffee shops, eateries, craft breweries, a wine bar, a distillery, and handmade ice cream.

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.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to our posting on BambooHR. Screening of applicants is ongoing and the position will remain open until filled. The priority deadline for applications is September 9, 2024.

All applicants must apply though our BambooHR career site here –

https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers/88?source=aWQ9NDE%3D

General Link if needed: https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers

Visit mtlsa.org to learn more about MLSA, our staff, and the work we do.