Renter Legal Assistant

Montana Legal Services Association

Housing Legal Assistant supporting statewide renter legal aid for low-to-moderate income Montanans. Managing intake, case files, court filings, referrals, and attorney support, with Bozeman coordination.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeHelena • Montana • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $40,000 - $48,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong capabilities in providing legal assistance to low-to-moderate income populations, with a focus on effective communication, case management, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Proficient in utilizing technology for case management and client communication while maintaining high ethical standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Legal AssistanceCase ManagementClient CommunicationMS Excel ProficiencyTrauma-Informed Services

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Intake Application ProcessingConflict ScreeningDrafting CorrespondenceFiling PleadingsData CollectionLegal Document AnalysisClient Database ManagementProject ManagementElectronic Case File ManagementCivil Legal Education

Soft Skills

Empathetic CommunicationOrganizational SkillsTeam CollaborationAttention to DetailInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

MS WordClient DatabasesInternet-Based Project Management Programs

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s LicenseAssociate’s Degree or Equivalent Professional Experience

Industry Keywords

Civil Equal JusticeLow-Income PopulationsPro Bono ServicesCommunity OutreachLegal Support

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Process intake applications from applicants with housing issues and conduct initial interviews by phone
Coordinate communication among applicants, clients, intake navigators, and the Renter Practice Group regarding case status
Coordinate referrals to pro bono attorneys when appropriate
Perform conflict screening and assist applicants with forms and information gathering
Scan and upload applications and client documents to MLSA’s case management system
Draft correspondence and simple pleadings or use appropriate MLSA forms
Calendar case-related dates and events
Communicate with clients to obtain additional information
Provide civil legal education to clients and community partners
Collaborate with the City of Bozeman concerning grant requirements
Collaborate with Bozeman Tenants United as approved by the Supervisor
Provide paralegal support to attorneys in ongoing cases
File pleadings in local courts and analyze documents from court files, discovery, and other sources
Coordinate with Clerks of Court, applicants, and clients regarding referrals
Assist with electronic and paper case file management
Participate in community outreach and program initiatives with communications staff
Assist with general intake, opening and closing legal server files, and data collection
Plan staff and community partner meetings in person, by phone, or by webinar
Provide overall support to staff attorneys
Answer incoming HelpLine calls and process applications for legal assistance
Perform other duties assigned by supervisors and advocacy leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Excellent written and oral communication skills with 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 with MS Excel, MS Word, client databases, computer-based research, and internet-based project management programs
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage projects
Ability to travel, occasionally overnight
Commitment to serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations and ensuring equal access to justice
Understanding of civil equal justice legal needs and barriers faced by low-income populations
Experience working collaboratively and empathetically with diverse colleagues, firm partners, and clients
Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a decentralized statewide law firm
Ability to use technology to communicate with colleagues and volunteers
High attention to detail and consistent follow-through
Skilled interpersonal communication and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
Respect for confidentiality and strong ethical judgment
Valid driver’s license required
Associate’s Degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
Training in trauma-informed services preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work environment
Occasional travel to national conferences
Occasional evening or weekend meetings or trainings