Montana Lawyer June/July 2025

support from firms. Law firms gain opportunities for their attorneys to engage in meaningful public service and en hance their practices. Mike—and many of the attorney volunteers—loves that while the cases come fast, they resolve quickly too. Lawyers can be busy and confined by their calendars, which tend to be oversubscribed. It’s easier to get pro bono volunteers when they know they are not signing up for a years-long dispute. “ Imagine how a survivor feels walking into court alone. Anyone with a law license is going to add value to the situation. ” — Mike Talia Mike recognizes some lawyers, especially those without a lot of courtroom experience, say this is intimidating, but it does not have to be. Imagine how a survivor feels walking into court alone. Anyone with a law license is going to add value to the situation. If you are in the Helena area and interested in getting involved, contact Mike. But then again, maybe think about how you can be like Mike. Do you have your own vision for aligning a passion of yours with a pro bono project that you can lead? Find a community partner, reach out to MLSA’s pro bono coordinator, and get started.

law offices or reaching out to known supporters. The time they save by sending a single email to Mike is redistributed directly back to the clients they are serving. The attorney volunteers deploy their specific skillset and services on navigating the legal system clearing the lane for Maggie and Jaime, expert advocates, to support the client throughout the process. Together, the complimented professionals create a safety-supported experience. Mike, like many of the attorney volunteers, had never handled an order of protection before starting the project. While he initially envisioned an advice clinic for survivors to inform them about their rights, it was the more urgent need for direct representation on orders of protection that became the quick and natural focus. The project started with Mike and others at his firm but soon grew. As he asked more volunteers, he continued to receive enthusiastic responses from local attorneys. Now, attorneys from several local firms, MLSA, and non-profit and government agencies volunteer their time. Pro bono partnerships between community organiza tions, law firms, in-house legal teams, and legal service organizations create a win-win situation for all involved, benefiting individuals, communities, and the legal profes sion. Legal service organizations benefit from stronger relationships, volunteer connections, and potential future

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