Renter Legal Assistant

The Housing Legal Assistant is part of MLSA’s Renter Practice Group 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. The Housing Legal Assistant will prioritize helping renters to stay housed and connecting them with available assistance and social services. While this position will serve Montanans statewide, there will be dedicated time coordinating and supporting housing assistance in Bozeman.

Key Responsibilities

• Process intake applications from applicants with housing issues and conduct initial interviews by phone.
• Coordinate communication among the applicants, clients, intake navigators and Renter Practice Group regarding case status.
• 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.
• Communicate with clients to obtain more information or as requested.
• Provide civil legal education to the client community and to community partners, as requested.
• Collaborate with the City of Bozeman concerning grant requirements.
• Collaborate with Bozeman Tenants United as may be approved by the Supervisor.
• Provide paralegal support to attorneys in ongoing cases.
• 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.
• Coordinate with Clerks of Court, applicants and clients to obtain more information as needed on referrals.
• Assist with clients’ case file management, including organizing and maintaining electronic and paper files.
• Collaborate with communications staff 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.
• Plan meetings (in person, by phone, or by webinar) of MLSA staff, perhaps including community partners.
• Provide overall support to appropriate staff attorneys.

• Assist with intake as needed, including answering incoming HelpLine calls and processing applications from those who seek legal assistance.

• Other duties assigned by supervisor, other housing attorneys, Deputy Director, or the Director of Advocacy.

Qualifications
Required

• Enthusiasm and commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-to-moderate income Montanans.
• 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 work independently and as part of a team to manage projects.
• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight.

Preferred 

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Trained in trauma-informed services.

• Commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations insuring equal access to justice.

• 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

Competencies

• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially with multiple timelines within a decentralized statewide law firm.

• Ability to use technologies to communicate with colleagues and volunteers.
• High attention to detail and consistent follow-through.
• Skilled interpersonal communicator able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Respect for confidentiality and strong ethical judgment.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment with statewide travel required, including to rural communities.
• Primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment, requiring regular use of computer and phone and the ability to alternate between sitting and standing at a workstation for most of the workday.
• Occasional travel to national conferences.
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings or trainings..
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.