Staff Attorney

About Haven

Since 1979, Haven has served survivors of domestic violence in Gallatin County through intervention, prevention, and empowerment. We are the only nonprofit in the area supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking, and stalking. Our work centers survivor autonomy and culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.

Position Summary

The Staff Attorney will lead Haven’s new legal services program, ensuring survivors have access to civil legal assistance ranging from brief advice to full representation. This role involves providing direct legal services, management of the legal services program and contributing to program development prior to implementation of services. We seek a licensed Montana attorney committed to equity, survivor empowerment, and trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

Legal Services (70%)

• Advise and represent clients in civil legal matters
• Conduct safety planning and connect clients to services
• Draft legal documents and correspondence
• Represent clients in mediation and trial
• Educate clients and community partners about legal rights
• Support immigrant survivors with T/U visa or VAWA petitions
• Stay current on DV-related legal issues and poverty law

Program Management (15%)

• Make determinations for case acceptance in collaboration with the legal advocates
• Lead team meetings and provide coaching to legal advocates
• Work with legal advocates to ensure performance indicators are met
• Train new legal advocates
• Oversee compliance with all applicable laws and policies
• Provide support for recruitment as positions on the legal team are available
• Responsible for case management of active cases

Data & Program Evaluation (10%)

• Collect and maintain accurate data and files
• Track service use and complete grant reporting
• Submit monthly legal services reports

Organizational Support (5%)

• Contribute to development of the legal services program
• Manage receipts and expenses
• Attend meetings and fundraising events as needed
• Complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• J.D. and Montana law license
• Knowledge of legal and systemic issues affecting survivors
• Experience in family law, civil protection orders, housing, and employment law
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently under stress
• Empathy for diverse populations and commitment to justice
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel

Preferred

• Experience with low-income clients and trauma survivors
• Immigration law experience (T/U visas, VAWA)
• Familiarity with Montana legal systems
• Supervisory experience

Training

• Haven Volunteer Advocate Training
• Annual 15 hours of CLEs
• Ongoing DV/SA training as needed

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Position requires listening and speaking, walking, climbing stairs and lifting at least 25 lbs.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the environment is usually quiet to moderately noisy.

Schedule & Compensation

• This is a full-time, exempt salaried position with a 36-hour flexible work week
• Salary: $82,086.00 - $89,636.00 based on equity calculator
• Benefits: 4 ½ weeks of PTO annually, 1 week of annual sick leave, health/dental/vision per Haven’s company policy, 10 weeks paid parental leave, 3% retirement match, wellness reimbursement and phone stipend.

Reports to: Director of Programs

Probation Period: 12 months

To Apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Julie Walters at hr@havenmt.org. Use “Haven Staff Attorney” as the subject line. This position is open until filled.

4 ½ weeks of PTO annually, 1 week of annual sick leave, health/dental/vision per Haven’s company policy, 10 weeks paid parental leave, 3% retirement match, wellness reimbursement and phone stipend.