Tribal Law Legal Assistant

Advocate for low-income people across Montana, offering support, information, and referrals to applicants for services, clients, and the general public.

Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible. You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while representing those without a voice in our civil 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’re looking for an Tribal Law Legal Assistant to be based in MLSA’s Billings or Helena office. The pay range is $38,000-$46,000, depending on experience.

· MLSA has a full-time, 35 hour work week.

· MLSA offers company-paid health, dental, vision and life insurance; an educational loan repayment assistance program; a 403(b) retirement plan; and eligibility for a health reimbursement or health savings account with a yearly contribution from MLSA in the amount of $1,600 (prorated by start date).

· We also offer a generous paid leave package, including annual leave, 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:

· Commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-to-moderate income Montanans.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Ability to work with diverse, low-income clients.

· Ability to travel, occasionally overnight if needed.

· Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm.

Specific Duties:

• Coordinate communication among the applicants, clients, intake specialists, and Tribal Law Attorney regarding case status.
• Communicate with applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed in a timely manner.
• Perform conflict screening, assist applicants with forms, and coordinate with intake staff in the gathering of relevant information.
• Conduct outreach and education regarding Indian Wills and estate planning, coordinate Wills clinics.
• Assist clients in gathering the documentation and information needed in order to draft wills and other estate planning documents.
• Assist in organizing outreach and circuits on Indian Reservations.

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 passion or degree to work by advocating for 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 skills in a friendly and supportive work environment.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to our posting on BambooHR. Screening of applicants is ongoing and the position will remain open until filled. The priority deadline for applications is May 20, 2024.

All applicants must apply though our BambooHR career site here:

https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers/83

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

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

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Travel requirement:

• Travel

Ability to Relocate:

• Helena, MT 59601: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person