Public Benefits Staff Attorney

State Bar of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision and lifeinsurance

Educational loan repayment assistance

403(b) retirement plan

HSA with MLSA contribution of $1,600/​

Job summary

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) seeks a Public Benefits Staff Attorney based in Helena, MT, with a possible remote option. The role focuses on representing low-income Montanans in Medicaid and related public benefits, advocating for equal access to justice, and contributing to MLSA’s impact across the state.

You will interview and advise clients, develop Medicaid expertise, handle varied cases, and collaborate with the Medical Legal Partnership.

Qualifications

• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations to ensure equal access to justice.

Responsibilities

• Interview, advise, and represent eligible clients on Medicaid and other public benefits.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of Montana Medicaid and other public benefits.
• Provide services ranging from brief counsel to extended representation for MLSA clients.
• Work as part of MLSA’s Medical Legal Partnership practice group.
• Assist with evaluation and data collection; compose correspondence and pleadings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Communication

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Advocate for low-income people across Montana, offering support, information, and referrals to applicants for services, clients, and the general public.

Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible. You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while representing those without a voice in our civil legal system.

MLSA is a progressive Montana non-profit law firm. We offer our staff challenging and fulfilling work, where you can go home each day knowing you made a tangible difference. MLSA provides a supportive and collegial work environment, a healthy work-life balance, and a generous benefits package.

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.

Who We Are:

MLSA is committed to the idea that equal justice under the law is a right, not a privilege. We are zealous advocates for Montanans who struggle to make ends meet and deserve their day in court.

• Our attorneys have pursued impact litigation all the way to Montana’s Supreme Court, helping to level the playing field for all Montanans.
• Our staff works with clients statewide and within Montana’s Tribal Courts.
• We are nationally recognized for our forward-thinking approach to civil legal aid and for our use of technology to advance the cause of justice for all in Montana.

The Position:

We’re looking for a Public Benefits Staff Attorney to be based in MLSA’s Helena office. We are also willing to consider a remote option. The pay range is $60,500 - $74,000, depending on experience.

• MLSA has a full-time, 35 hour work week.
• MLSA offers company-paid health, dental, vision and life insurance; an educational loan repayment assistance program; a 403(b) retirement plan; and eligibility for a health reimbursement or health savings account with MLSA contributing $1,600 each year.
• We also offer a generous paid leave package, including annual leave, sick leave, and a wellness leave program.
• And if you move from another town in Montana to join us, we offer up to $500 for relocation reimbursement (or $1,000 if you move from out of state).

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
• Admission to the Montana Bar or ability to obtain admission.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations insuring equal access to justice.
• A willingness to assume a varied case load.

Specific Duties

• Interview, advise, and represent eligible clients on civil matters relating to Medicaid and other public benefits.
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of Medicaid in Montana, and other public benefits.
• Provide services ranging from brief counsel and advice to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting MLSA clients.
• Work as part of MLSA’s Medical Legal Partnership practice group.
• Assist with evaluation and data collection.
• Compose correspondence, pleadings and other documents.

The Location:

Helena

Helena is Montana’s capital city, centrally located for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Helena offers over 80 miles of hiking trails accessible from downtown and its nationally recognized mountain biking trail system offers a full range of expert to family‑friendly rides. Cross‑country ski trails abound and the local downhill ski area is just 23 miles from Helena and boasts affordable lift tickets, short lift lines, and night skiing on Fridays. Home of the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena Symphony, and many other theaters and museums gives Helena the title, #1 small arts community in the country. Our Helena office is a short walk to Downtown Helena and the Great Northern Town Center featuring great local coffee shops, eateries, craft breweries, a wine bar, a distillery, and handmade ice cream.

Why Should You Apply?

• Live your values and put your passion or degree to work by advocating for people who deserve a voice in our legal system.
• Great benefits, generous leave, and competitive pay.
• Access to free CLE seminars and opportunities to attend national conferences and trainings.
• The chance to hone your skills in a friendly and supportive work environment.