This Attorney position will provide civil legal services to clients throughout the state of Montana in the area of foreclosure litigation and loss mitigation, including negotiating with lenders and creditors to help Montanans stay housed and connect homeowners with available assistance and social services. Direct legal services provided will range from brief counsel and advice, to more extended representation. This position will handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, and hearing and trial work. The position will also participate in MLSA’s statewide initiatives, implement grant and contract requirements through casework and foster pro bono involvement with the private bar.
Specific duties
Provide oversight for MLSA’s Foreclosure Legal Assistance Project.
Supervise MLSA Foreclosure Project personnel as assigned. May include remote supervision of personnel in other MLSA offices.
Handle a case load of clients.
Work with Montana’s Court Administrator and clerks of court to develop a referral system for people who are representing themselves in a foreclosure.
Interview, meet with, advise and represent eligible clients on civil matters relating to foreclosure and loss mitigation.
Compose correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
Develop law related educational programs and materials directed to the client community or agencies regarding legal rights and responsibilities.
Provide outreach and education to reach Montana homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
Research the law and prepare memoranda.
Handle all aspects of a client’s legal matter, including preparing pleadings, negotiation, mediation and trial work.
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 people facing foreclosure, and of general poverty law issues.
Participate in MLSA statewide initiatives and impact work, and implement grant and contract requirements through casework.
Other duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney, Director of Advocacy, or Executive Director.
Required Skills & Attributes
Law Degree.
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, project partners 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.
Preferred Skills & Attributes
Current license to practice law in Montana.
Prior supervisory experience including remote supervision.
Prior experience with foreclosure litigation and loss mitigation efforts.
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.
Applications being accepted through end of day January 24th, 2025.
Salary: $57,000 - $75,000 DOE.
Link to apply: https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers/100
