In an article concerning the recent ruling of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which argues that municipalities can enforce bans on sleeping outside, MLSA Housing Attorney Amy Hall speaks to the potential ramifications of the decision in Montana.
Partner Spotlight: Misdemeanor Expungement Support for Survivors
Learn about a project dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence clear misdemeanor convictions from their records. Outside the world of advocacy and shelter programs like The Friendship Center, our advocates have probably all had the experience of being thanked when they describe the work they do. In those same conversations, they’ve likely also gone …
Helena Independent Record: Montana cities watch U.S. Supreme Court case on homelessness encampments
As the U.S. Supreme Court hears a case out of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that it is unconstitutional to penalize people with civil citations for sleeping outside when there are an inadequate number of shelter beds available, the Independent Record recently reported on the ways in which this SCOTUS decision …
Montana Lawyer Magazine: MLSA, group of lawyers team up for revival of in-person Helena Family Law Clinic
Check out this awesome article written in the Montana Lawyer Magazine by our Pro-Bono Coordinator, Ellie Webster, detailing the revival of the in-person Helena Family Law Clinic in September 2023. The return of the in-person clinic is a joint project between MLSA, Erin Lyndes from Jackson Murdo & Grant and Trish Klanke from Drake Law …
MT homeless population increase leads the nation
Montana’s increase in people without a place to live leads the nation. A Public News Service article that was published today reads: “The most recent Annual Homelessness Assessment Report shows Montana saw a 551% increase in its unsheltered population, the steepest rise in the country between 2007 and 2023.” MLSA works to keep Montanans housed. …
KTVH: Residents claim mobile park investor jacked rates while ignoring property needs
Check out this article highlighting KTVH‘s investigation into a local mobile home property owner in Helena who continues to increase rent rates while ignoring pivotal property needs for their tenants. Thanks KTVH for including MLSA in the conversation on the importance of mobile tenants understanding their renters rights!
Panel addresses teen dating violence
Recognizing February as teen dating violence awareness month, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Red Lodge organized three panels where community partners spoke to high school students in the Carbon and Stillwater County areas, addressing concerns and letting them know they are not alone.
Former MLSA staff named to Montana Justice Foundation Board
Congratulations to Gillian Ellison and Alex Clark—former MLSA staff members and current law students at the University of Montana—for being invited to serve on the board of the Montana Justice Foundation (MJF), the largest private funder of legal aid in the state! Recommended by MLSA Executive Director Alison Paul for their dedication to improving access …
Advocates boost legal services to MT’s native tribes
A new program from the Montana Legal Services Association is boosting legal assistance to people living on the state’s tribal land. The Tribal Advocate Incubator Project gives lay people the skills they need to help Montana’s underserved Indigenous population. Right now, many of Montana’s Indigenous people lack legal services or the money they need to …
Getting started with pro bono can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be
Attorneys, are you looking for ways to fulfill your professional responsibility to provide at least 50 hours of service for the public good this year? Stuart Segrest, President of the State Bar of Montana, discusses his experience providing pro bono services through MLSA in his article found on page 4 of the most recent Montana …