Tribal Law Attorney

This Staff Attorney position will provide legal services to tribal members in a broad range of legal matters throughout the state of Montana.  Current grant funding focuses on wills and estates work.

The position is also responsible for supervising other personnel, providing overall direction and oversight on the activities of MLSA, and requires travel within and outside Montana. The Tribal Law Attorney provides direct legal services within a range from brief counsel and advice to more extended representation. The attorney handles all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, and hearing and trial work. This position also participates in MLSA’s statewide initiatives, implements grant and contract requirements through casework and other activities, and fosters pro bono involvement with the private bar.

 

Specific Duties

• Interview, meet with, advise, and represent eligible clients in civil matters.

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work.
• Hold regular office hours as required on reservations, or in other communities that may be assigned based on grant funding.
• Develop law-related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding the legal rights and responsibilities.

• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of legal issues affecting tribal communities.

• Provide services ranging from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting MLSA clients.

• Work with other MLSA staff to recruit, train and support pro bono attorneys when appropriate.
• Participate in MLSA’s statewide initiatives and impact work, and implementing grant and contract requirements through casework.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Advocacy or Executive Director.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Law Degree.
• A willingness to assume a varied case load.

• Ability to take and pass Tribal Bar exams as required.

• Ability to effectively communicate with and motivate others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people with varying perspectives, 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, hospital 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 conduct overnight travel within the state of Montana.
• Ability to travel out of state for conferences, training or other meetings as required.

 

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• At least 3 years’ experience in the practice of law.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Current license to practice law in Montana.
• An understanding of the civil equal justice legal needs of low-income people, including the unique needs of populations that experience particular barriers to access to justice systems, and of effective approaches and methods for addressing those needs.
• Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse groups of colleagues, firm partners, and clients who have varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives, experience, and expertise.
• Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low-income people.

 

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.

Salary

• $60,500 - $80,000