Join Montana Legal Services Association and make a difference! You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while advocating for those without a voice in our legal system. We offer a supportive and collegial work environment, a healthy work-life balance, and a generous benefits package. A career at MLSA is filled with work that is both intellectually stimulating and challenging and no two days are the same. Whether you are just starting your legal career or are a seasoned lawyer, making legal aid work part of your life will not only allow you to grow your legal skills, but will also instill a sense of personal satisfaction from seeing the immediate results of your work in the transformed lives of clients.
Who Are We
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.
Why Should You Apply?
- Live your values and put your passion or degree to work by advocating for people who deserve a voice in our legal system.
- MLSA has a full-time 35 hour work week!
- We offer 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 may be eligible for up to three separate Loan Repayment Assistance programs run through the Legal Services Corporation, Montana Justice Foundation, and MLSA. For attorneys, this additional amount for student loans can be anywhere from $2,400 - $14,200. MLSA's Loan Repayment Assistance Program is also available to non-attorney staff.
- We offer a generous paid leave package, including 3 weeks of annual leave, sick leave, and a wellness leave program.
- 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.
- Access to free CLE seminars and opportunities to attend national conferences and trainings.
Open Positions
Medical Health Justice Partnership Attorney with Veterans focus
The MHJP Attorney will work with the health care team at the VA Medical Center to screen for health-harming legal needs and treat those needs by providing legal services to positively impact a client’s health. This attorney provides representation to clients in matters relating to civil legal needs such as housing, family law, public benefits, consumer debt, and civil rights. Representation includes legal advice, limited scope assistance, and full representation. The attorney will be housed in MLSA’s Helena office and will also conduct regular outreach and remote office hours to provide direct services to clients and interface with VA staff.
For a full job description and to apply, click here.
Staff Attorney (Domestic Violence)
The Domestic Violence Staff Attorney position will provide civil legal assistance to clients of the Friendship Center and to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson Counties. The position will be based at the Helena office of the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA). Services provided will range from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation. Requires travel within Montana.
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.
For a full job description and to apply, click here.
Outreach Assistant
The Outreach/Intake Assistant is responsible for managing several large-scale projects aimed at connecting MLSA clients with legal services offered through the disaster legal services program within MLSA. The Outreach/Intake Assistant will work together with the Communications Manager and serve as the primary point of contact for the disaster project and will be responsible for project development, implementation, and management of this project. The Assistant will conduct outreach to gather information about the legal needs of disaster victims in Montana and will recruit volunteer (pro bono) attorneys to provide legal services in the targeted areas.
For a full job description and to apply, click here.
Agricultural Worker/Intake Navigator
The Intake Navigator provides half-time support to the Intake Group and half-time support to the Agricultural Worker Practice Group. This position provides assists client with intakes and legal information and coordinates communication between the applicants, clients, intake specialists, and the Migrant Farm Worker/Eviction Prevention Staff Attorney regarding case status. The Intake Navigator answers incoming HelpLine calls and assists with applications from those who seek legal assistance, in addition to providing support to MLSA attorneys on farmworker cases. A high level of proficiency in oral and written Spanish is required for this position.
For a full job description and to apply, click here.
Part-time Legal Assistant
The Montana Legal Services Association has an opening for a part-time (20 hours/week) legal assistant in our Red Lodge or Livingston office. The legal assistant will conduct intakes for clients, provide support for the grant-funded Staff Attorney, and provide pro se assistance to clients under the direction of the attorney. Applicants must demonstrate excellent practice skills, strong people skills, and flexibility.
For a full job description and to apply, click here.
To Apply
Apply for positions online here. Screening of applications will begin immediately and the positions will remain open until filled.