Montana Legal Services Association (Legal Aid) – Billings, MT

Justice Lives Here: Civil Legal Aid for Montanans

Access to justice should not depend on how much money you have. The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing civil legal assistance to low-income individuals living in poverty. Serving as the primary "Legal Aid" organization for the state, MLSA empowers vulnerable Montanans by protecting their civil rights and helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system. The Billings office is a critical hub for these services, offering a lifeline to those facing eviction, domestic violence, consumer debt, and other life-altering legal challenges.

Services for Those in Need

MLSA provides a wide range of services, from legal advice and self-help resources to full representation in court. Because resources are limited, the organization focuses on cases where legal intervention can have the most significant impact on a client’s safety and stability. The attorneys and staff work tirelessly to level the playing field, ensuring that their clients have a voice against powerful landlords, creditors, and abusers. They do not handle criminal cases, traffic tickets, or fee-generating cases like personal injury lawsuits.

• Housing Stability: Defending against wrongful evictions, addressing unsafe housing conditions, and preserving housing subsidies.
• Domestic Violence: assisting survivors with Orders of Protection, divorce, and custody matters to ensure their safety.
• Consumer Protection: Protecting clients from predatory lending, debt collection harassment, and unfair trade practices.
• Public Benefits: Helping individuals secure and maintain essential benefits like Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

Empowering the Community

Beyond direct representation, MLSA is a leader in community education and self-help. They manage MontanaLawHelp.org, a comprehensive online resource providing free legal forms and information. The organization also coordinates pro bono programs, connecting private attorneys with clients who need help. Their mission is systemic change, working to remove the barriers that keep people in poverty and ensuring that the justice system works for everyone, not just the wealthy.

We believe that no one should face the loss of their home, their safety, or their healthcare simply because they cannot afford an attorney.

Downtown Billings Office

The MLSA Billings office is located in the Transwestern Plaza on North Broadway, right in the heart of downtown. This central location ensures that the office is accessible to clients using public transportation. Applications for services are typically handled through their helpline or online to ensure efficiency, but the local office serves as a vital base of operations for attorneys fighting for justice in Yellowstone County and beyond.