Renter Attorney

Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible by advocating for low-income people across Montana. Offer support, information, and referrals to applicants for services, clients, and the general public while enjoying Montana’s outdoor lifestyle and representing those without a voice in our civil legal system.

About the Organization

MLSA is a progressive Montana non-profit law firm 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.

MLSA provides a supportive and collegial work environment, a healthy work-life balance, and a generous benefits package. 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.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Renter Attorney to be based in MLSA’s Helena office. We are also willing to consider a remote option.

Responsibilities

• Interview, meet with, advise, and represent eligible clients on civil matters.
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of housing law and general poverty law issues.
• Compose correspondence, pleadings, and other documents.
• Research the law and prepare memoranda.
• Provide services ranging from brief counsel and advice to more extended representation on housing issues affecting MLSA clients.
• Assume a varied caseload.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, the public, judges, court personnel, project partners, and the bar.
• Travel in-state and occasionally outside Montana, including overnight travel.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Admission to the Montana Bar or ability to obtain admission.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations ensuring equal access to justice.
• Willingness to learn and integrate new technologies and methodologies to efficiently perform responsibilities.

Benefits

• Company-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Educational loan repayment assistance program.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Eligibility for a health reimbursement or health savings account with MLSA contributing $1,600 each year.
• Generous paid leave package, including annual leave, sick leave, and a wellness leave program.
• Up to $500 for relocation reimbursement (or $1,000 if moving from out of state).
• Access to free CLE seminars and opportunities to attend national conferences and trainings.

Pay

$60,500 - $74,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time, 35-hour work week.

Location

Helena, Montana’s capital city, is centrally located for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Helena offers over 80 miles of hiking trails accessible from downtown, a nationally recognized mountain biking trail system, cross-country ski trails, and a local downhill ski area just 23 miles away. The city is home to the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena Symphony, and many theaters and museums, earning it the title of #1 small arts community in the country.

Our Helena office is a short walk to Downtown Helena and the Great Northern Town Center, featuring local coffee shops, eateries, craft breweries, a wine bar, a distillery, and handmade ice cream.