What is a Community Justice Worker (CJW)?

CJWs are community members or frontline social service providers already working within communities. They are trained, certified, and overseen by Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) to provide limited scope legal services to low income Montanans. Once certified, CJWs will be authorized to represent clients in courts of limited jurisdiction in Montana including Justice Courts, City Courts and Municipal Courts in cases involving:

  • Debt collection
  • Evictions
  • Orders of Protection

Additionally, CJWs will be authorized to represent people in the Medicaid Administrative Hearing Process.

What is the scope of legal services provided?

CJWs will be trained in their legal area to provide legal issue spotting and advice at every step of a legal problem’s development, with a focus on legal advice, document drafting, and representation in court hearings.

How long is the training and what are the participation requirements?

CJWs will be volunteers of MLSA, meaning the training and support is offered free-of-cost, but their home organizations would be paying their staff time for participation. The 14-week coursework includes asynchronous training time, live office hours and discussions, outside reading and forms work, court observation, and exams. Each week, participants will use approximately 4 hours (sometimes more, often less) of their work week to complete the required training.

Are CJWs allowed to accept payment for their work as a CJW?

No. CJWs are volunteers of MLSA, and the Montana Supreme Court order authorizing the program requires that CJWs provide help at no charge. This applies to everyone they assist, and it means they can’t accept payment, fees, or other compensation from the people they serve.

Many CJWs are employed by another organization, and that organization can continue to pay regular salary, including for time spent on cases handled as a CJW. The no charge rule applies to the people CJWs help, not to their employer’s support of the work.

How does MLSA support CJWs after certification?

MLSA will continue to work closely with CJWs after certification. MLSA will handle client intake and referral processes, as well as provide coverage under our malpractice insurance. MLSA will provide opportunities for attorney mentorship and consultation. There will also be intensive program support, continuing education, monthly cohort meetings, and agency manager meetings to ensure program delivery is running smoothly for clients and CJWs alike. MLSA also will monitor CJW performance and client satisfaction. Oversight procedures for the program are currently being developed.

Where can I read the Supreme Court Order?

You can view the approved and signed order here.

When is the next CJW training?

All available sessions are currently full. As new sessions become available the best way to stay informed is to sign up via this form.

I am interested in signing up or learning more information! What should I do?

If you want to receive updates as new trainings become available, please use this form.