Domestic Violence Staff Attorney
Location: Billings, Montana
Description: Montana Legal Services Association is at present looking to employ Domestic Violence Staff Attorney right now, this position will be depute in Montana. More details about this position opportunity please give attention to these descriptions. This Staff Attorney position will provide poverty law services to domestic violence victims throughout the state of Montana and on the Crow and No! rthern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. One-half FTE of the position will be dedicated to MLSA's Order of Protection project. This project involves the representation of domestic violence victims in order of protection proceedings around the state, as well as the development of legal resources in order of protection cases for use by domestic violence victims, advocates and pro bono attorneys. The remainder of the position involves the representation of domestic violence victims on the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian Reservations. The primary area of law will be family law, although attorneys also assist with other poverty law issues including consumer law, housing law, employment law, public benefits, and probate. Services provided will range from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting MLSA clients. This position will handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file mai! ntenance, hearing and trial work. 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. Requires travel within Montana.
Specific duties include but are not limited to:
Interview, meet with, advise and represent eligible clients on civil matters.
Prepare Orders of Protection for domestic violence victims.
Compose correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
Develop law related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding the legal rights and responsibilities of domestic violence victims.
Provide training on orders of protection and other legal matters affecting domestic violence victims.
Research the law and prepare memoranda.
Handle all aspects of a client's legal matter, including preparing pleadings, negotiation, mediation and trial work.
Hold regular office hours on the Cro! w and Northern Cheyenne reservations.
Work with other MLSA staff to recruit, train and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate.
Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of the legal needs of domestic violence victims, and of general poverty law issues.
Participate in MLSA statewide initiatives and impact work.
Other duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney.
Requirements
Law Degree and current license to practice law in Montana.
Prior legal services experience preferred, particularly experience working with domestic violence victims.
A willingness to assume a varied case load.
An understanding of the civil legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems.
Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low income people.
Ability to effectively communicate, to motivate others, ! and to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people with varying ! perspectives, and 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 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 travel, occasionally overnight.
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If you were el! igible to this position, please email us your resume, with salary requirements and a resume to Montana Legal Services Association.
Interested on this position, just click on the Apply button, you will be redirected to the official website
This position will be started on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 05:37:27 GMT
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