Are you an attorney looking to make positive social changes in your community and across Montana? The Rural Incubator Project for Lawyers (RIPL) empowers lawyers to be community leaders, run socially conscious law firms, and maintain sustainable businesses. RIPL is a 12-month program designed to train and support attorneys as they develop and launch new solo or small firm law practices.

MLSA has been pursuing creative solutions for connecting rural clients with pro bono and reduced rate services. Through RIPL, attorneys will have the opportunity to enhance access to justice by offering affordable legal services to limited-income Montanans and tribal members living in under-served, rural communities. Together, we can innovate for the future of legal practice in Montana.

Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please download the information and application packet.

Join the future of Montana’s legal practice

We seek attorneys dedicated to establishing sustainable law practices that serve the legal needs of limited-income individuals in under-served, rural communities across Montana. We are enthusiastic about using technology and innovation to implement new ways of providing cost-effective legal services. RIPL participants will:

  • form a solo or small firm law practice that operates directly in a rural community or offers remote rural services;
  • provide reduced rate services to low and moderate income Montanans and tribal members; and
  • participate in RIPL programming, including continuing legal education (CLE) sessions, regular staffing calls, and mentorship meetings.

In exchange for 25 pro bono hours and 225 reduced rate service hours, RIPL provides the following resources needed for developing a successful law practice:

  • training and assistance with business and client development;
  • training on substantive law, business skills, and law practice management from experienced legal practitioners and jurists;
  • hands-on legal experience and a valuable understanding of the legal aid community and legal service delivery systems that work; and
  • the ability to collaborate with peers and other successful practitioners.

Our Partners

 

Benefits of being a RIPL fellow

Business Boot Camp. The participants' first CLE sessions include an intensive five-day program on rural practice in Montana; access to justice considerations; entity selection and formation; law practice management; legal services delivery options; business planning; marketing; and financing; and technology and resources.

Business Development and Case Management Coaching. Fellows participate in a 6-month business development and case management coaching period consisting of one-on-one check-ins with RIPL staff. In addition, fellows are given an opportunity to review their business and communication plan with a mentor and participate in monthly training aimed at helping build a sustainable practice.

Continuing Legal Education. Fellows have access to CLE sessions focused on substantive areas of law, practical skills, lawyer well-being, and a Pro Bono Membership access to all of the CLE from the Practicing Law Institute.

MLSA Pro Bono Residency. Through the Pro Bono Residency, fellows gain invaluable skills and experience in delivering legal services. This includes limited scope representation, client communication, client representation, court appearances, file management, case documentation, and practical experience in substantive areas of law.

Mentorship and Mentoring Calls. RIPL has gathered experienced practitioners who are excited to mentor fellows in their expertise and practice management areas. Fellows attend weekly calls with MLSA staff attorneys and monthly training specifically for the RIPL fellows from experienced lawyers, and judges.

Practice Resources and Office Space. Fellows have access to practice resources, including free or discounted case management software, form briefs, example pleadings, and legal research materials. Fellows also have access to office space to meet with clients referred through MLSA at our offices in Missoula, Helena, and Billings. 

Client Referral Services. Fellows have free participation in the Modest Means Program and the Montana Lawyer Referral & Information Service that connect prospective clients in need of sliding scale legal services.

Malpractice Insurance. While engaged in pro bono and reduced rate services referred by MLSA, fellows are covered by MLSA's malpractice insurance. Fellows must maintain their own malpractice insurance for clients served outside the scope of the MLSA Pro Bono Residency and reduced rate referrals.

Student Loan Repayment Assistant. The Montana Justice Foundation offers RIPL fellows student loan repayment assistance through its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for up to $1800.

Learn More

To learn more about RIPL and how to apply, please download our informational packet or inquire via email:

[email protected]