Hybrid Legal Assistant – Consumer/Renter

at Montana Legal Services Association

• Job title: Legal Assistant – Consumer/Renter
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $38,000 - $44,500 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Missoula, United States

About the role

• Legal Assistant responsible for managing client intake and providing support to attorneys for low-income Montanans. Overseeing case management tasks and coordinating communications within the legal practice group.

Responsibilities

• The Legal Assistant is part of MLSA’s Consumer and Renter Law Practice Groups and is responsible for managing intake for clients, providing support to Staff Attorneys and pro se assistance to clients under the direction of the attorney.
• Process intake applications from applicants with consumer and housing issues and conduct initial interviews by phone.
• Coordinate communication among the applicants, clients, intake navigators and Consumer and Renter Law Staff Attorneys regarding case status.
• Timely communication with applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed.
• Coordinate referrals to pro bono attorneys for clients or applicants when appropriate.
• Perform conflict screening, assist applicants with forms, and coordinate with intake staff in the gathering of relevant information.
• Scan and upload applications and client documents to MLSA’s case management system.
• Draft correspondence and simple pleadings or use appropriate MLSA forms.
• Calendar all case related dates and events.
• File pleadings in local courts (conventional and electronic); investigate, examine and analyze documents obtained from the court files, in discovery and from other sources as needed or requested.
• Assist with clients’ case file management, including organizing and maintaining electronic and paper files.
• Coordinate and support MLSA’s File Your Own Bankruptcy program as resources allow.
• Collaborate with Communication Manager to participate in community outreach and program initiatives as appropriate.
• Assist with general intake, opening and closing legal server files, and assist with data collection when requested.
• Provide overall support to appropriate staff attorneys.
• As the Missoula office manager, perform tasks assigned by the administrative office, including processing office mail, coordinating office supply orders, setting up new offices, and overseeing the MLSA vehicle.
• Answer the Missoula office door and assist walk-in applicants when the AmeriCorps member is not available.
• Coordinate front desk coverage for the Missoula office when needed.
• Other duties assigned by the Intake Manager or the Supervising Attorneys of the consumer or rental law practice group.

Requirements

• Commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-to-moderate income Montanans.
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm.
• Ability to respond to clients in a calm, empathetic and professional manner while courteously directing the conversation to pertinent issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with multiple timelines.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple activities and tasks.
• Knowledge and proficiency in utilizing computer software such as MS Excel, MS Word, client database, computer-based research, internet-based project management programs, etc.
• Ability to use technologies to communicate with colleagues and volunteers in rural and remote locations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage projects.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Trained in trauma-informed services.
• A demonstrated commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion through volunteer activities and internships is valued.
• 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.