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Legal Assistance & Re-Entry Programs

VA Resources (Medical-Legal Partnerships and Community Engagement PDF): https://department.va.gov/veterans-experience/vetresources-community-network/

AmeriCorps VISTA ~ Veterans Advocacy Clinic (VAC): https://www.umt.edu/law/academics/clinics/veterans-advocacy.php

The VAC supports low-income veterans through legal representation, legal consultation, and outreach, ensuring that the systems designed to support veterans are held accountable. The VAC is an active and motivated team environment.

Questions: Hillary Wandler, Professor | Director, Veterans Advocacy Clinic, Clinic Wing, Room 110, Alexander Blewett III School of Law, UM, (406) 243-6788, hillary.wandler@umontana.edu

*** 2024 While Hillary is on sabbatical, please direct Veterans to Montana Legal Services Association for any civil law needs (divorce, bankruptcy, domestic violence, parenting plans, etc.: https://www.mtlsa.org/)

They will need to reach out to a VSO for assistance with VA appeals: MVAD 1911 Tower Street, Missoula – call for appointment: (406) 542-2501

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Bitterroot Legal Services: https://bitterrootlegalservices.org/

Legal services solely for Missoula and Ravalli County. Like a self-help law center, but we include legal advice! The goal of our law firm is to provide legal aid by offering a variety of services and payment options based on client needs and their unique financial situations.

Questions: Victoria Parker - Attorney & Veteran (406) 218-6216, blspllc@outlook.com

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Conviction Expungement Process: https://dojmt.gov/enforcement/conviction-expungement-process/

Questions: Montana DoJ, contactdoj@mt.gov

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Crosswinds Recovery

Addiction Treatment Center provides outpatient addiction counseling and recovery-based programming. 2001 S. Russell St., Missoula +1 406-830-4167, admissions@crosswindsrecovery.org OR Stephen Ferguson 406-544-4510 (justice-involved clients)

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Crowley Fleck Attorneys PLLP ~ Statewide: https://crowleyfleck.com/

CF has several attorneys who are Veterans, and they have expressed an interest to Hillary (UM Law School) in helping Veterans.

Questions – Montana office locations: https://crowleyfleck.com/contact-us/

OR Jake Rebo (Army Vet) via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-n-rebo-esq-7013a947/

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Discrimination ~ Florin / Roebig Trial Attorneys: https://florinroebig.com/veteran-rights-discrimination/

Disabled Veteran Rights; Discrimination in the workplace, healthcare system, social setting, and legal settings; The laws protecting Veteran rights; What to do if you have experienced discrimination; Government resources & much more.

Questions: Megan Johnson, Outreach Specialist, Megan@florinroebig.com

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Halpern Olivares PLLC: https://ssavalawfirm.com/

We represent veterans in their VA disability appeals and can assist veterans regardless of where they reside. If they have any questions or concerns about any denial letters issued by VA and within a year of their decision being issued, contact Kayla Vance, MPA – Accredited Veteran Advocate (360) 753-8055 x105, kayla@ssavalaw.com

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Hulling Law PLLC (website pending): https://www.bizapedia.com/mt/hulling-law-pllc.html

Nathan Hulling - USMC Veteran at 308 W. Pine St., Suite 140, Missoula (406) 880-7424, nathan@hullinglaw.com

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​Job Service Re-Entry Program ~ Job Hunting Guide for Montanans with Criminal Records: https://lmi.mt.gov/Career/JobSeekers; If you have questions, please call the Job Service Missoula (406) 728-7060 and ask for a Workforce Consultant who specializes in job search assistance and workforce development for job seekers with a criminal record.

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Justice Involved Veterans ~ NVTI Featured Article

When looking to enter into or start a new position in the job market, it is important to have a game plan. Such preparation may be even more important for veterans who have been involved in the criminal justice system, also known as Justice Involved Veterans (JIVs). https://www.nvti.org/News-and-Announcements/Featured-Articles/Assisting-Justice-Involved-Veterans-with-Interviewing-Preparation

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Misdemeanor & Felony-Friendly Jobs ~ 70 Million Jobs: https://www.70millionjobs.com/
70 Million Jobs will connect you with great companies that offer second chance jobs for people with criminal records. No cost to you.
Questions:  info@70millionjobs.com

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Missoula County

The DoC Safety & Justice Challenge Coordinator’s work touches on addiction and mental health issues in the criminal justice system. Her team has created a Veteran-specific diversion / deflection program. Contact Chelsea 406-258-3838, Cwittmann@missoulacounty.us

  • Resource Access Day (RAD), Missoula Public Library, 455 E. Main St (4th Floor), Missoula (2nd Thursday 12 – 3pm) ~ RAD is a monthly event providing free, one-stop access to vital services, including healthcare, legal assistance, housing support, and more. Modeled after Project Community Connect (PCC), RAD is a collaborative effort between the Missoula Public Library, the PASS (Pretrial Assistance to Support Success) Program, and Missoula Municipal Court. The goal of RAD is to connect individuals and families facing resource insecurity with a rotating selection of community services. Lunch generously provided by Worden’s Market. 

  • How You Can Support RAD: We are currently seeking donations of hygiene kits, toiletries, clothing, gift cards, food, beverages, sewing kits, and more. Donations can be dropped off in person or purchased via our Amazon wish list Questions: Heather James - Post Sentencing Support Specialist, Missoula Municipal Court, 435 Ryman St., Missoula 406-880-8021, JamesH@ci.missoula.mt.us

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Missoula Veterans Court & Veteran Mentor Program ~ Treatment and Mentoring: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/civil-criminal-justice/district-court/veterans-treatment-court

Justice for Vets: https://justiceforvets.org/

The Missoula Veterans Court accepts Veterans regardless of discharge (misdemeanors, felony, violent). Usually, they cannot get expungements of old crimes, but they may be able to get a sentence reduced during the probationary period if they go through the Veterans Treatment Court’s yearlong program.

  • The Veterans Court is an alternative treatment court that serve Veterans who are struggling with PTS, mental illness, substance abuse, and are involved with the criminal justice system.

  • CALL FOR MENTORS! Veteran Mentors are Veterans who served in the military that are willing to spend time helping a fellow Veteran as a “trusted friend.” The mentor attends court appearances with the participant (every other week) and helps their participant deal with the rigors of the treatment program by getting them hooked up with supportive services (safe / secure housing, employment & training, etc.). If you have been thinking about how to help your fellow Montana service men and women, then help fellow Veterans deal with their issues and assimilate into civilian life. A Mentor must be a Veteran of any branch of the military.

For more information about Veterans Court or to sign up for the training please contact Veteran Court Coordinator at Missoula County Courthouse, 200 W. Broadway, Missoula - Richard Reed  406-258-4725, Richard.Reed@mt.gov

OR Lawrence “Larry” Anderson – Missoula Veterans Court Mentor, larry63mt@gmail.com

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Missoula Works: www.missoulaworks.com

Paige supports Veterans who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

Questions: (406) 926-3400, paige@missoulaworks.com

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Montana DPHHS ~ Legal Services Developer Program: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/legalservicesdeveloper/

Provides elder law training and resources for older adults, family members and social outreach workers. The program also develops pro bono and local legal services referrals, training materials and telephone assistance. Call 1-800-332-2272

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Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA: mtlsa.org) ~ Self Help Law: https://www.montanalawhelp.org/

Free civil legal help to eligible clients. MLSA may be able to refer you to a volunteer attorney for help with a discharge upgrade. MLSA is a private, non-profit law firm, that provides non-criminal legal information, advice, and representation to Montanans. Their services help “fight scams on seniors, assist Veterans who have been denied benefits, help people escape abusive relationships, and represent families living in unsafe housing conditions”

  • 10/2024 “We recently received a grant through VA Legal Services for Veterans Grant (VA-LSV) program to provide legal services, including eviction defense, for veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. While we will be partnering with Montana VA Healthcare to screen and refer patients with legal needs who qualify, we are also working to build referral partnerships with other Veteran-serving organizations throughout Montana." Contact Lukas Illion - Veteran Services Navigator (lillion@mtlsa.org) or Kallie Dale-Ramos - Attorney (kdaleram@mtlsa.org); ENCOURAGE VETERANS to apply either using the online portal: https://www.mtlsa.org/apply-for-services/ or by calling our helpline at 1-800-666-6899. 

  • Justice for Montanans: https://www.mtlsa.org/americorps-state-justice/

  • Montana Law - Veterans & Military section: https://www.montanalawhelp.org/issues/veterans-and-military

Questions: 1-800-666-6899 (Option 5) M-F, 9am to 1pm OR if you are in need of assistance, or would like to provide resources for our center, please email missoulaselfhelp@gmail.com

​Questions: 1535 Liberty Lane, Suite 110D, Missoula (406) 258-3428 OR Jami Campbell (406) 442-9830 Ext 157, jcampbel@mtlsa.org

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Montana Veterans Treatment Court Laws Revision Act: https://legiscan.com/MT/text/SB85/2019

Enacted April 1, 2019 ~ Montana’s revisions call for all detention centers to record the veteran status of all detainees if located in the same county as a VTC. This information is then sent to the local VTC, which now has legal responsibility to inform detained veterans about the program and their eligibility.

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National Drug Court Resource, Policy, and Evidence-Based Practice Center ~ Justice Programs Office: https://ndcrc.org/

Strives to provide practitioners and professionals working in the drug court field with current resources and upcoming events. 

Questions: ndcrc@american.edu 

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Partners for Reintegration (PFR): https://www.pfrmt.org/

Missoula - Coalition of local agencies, faith congregations, service providers and community volunteers, including previously incarcerated individuals, working in partnership with the Department of Corrections to help returning citizens reintegrate from incarceration back into the Missoula community. PFR questions: pfrmissoula@pfrmt.org; VSN Members - Employment Services:

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Stateside Legal: ​statesidelegal.org

FREE online information, self-help tools and referrals for Veterans, service members, their families and advocates.

If you received a discharge that was other than Honorable, a discharge upgrade can help you access important VA benefits, services, and care. Or you may feel that your discharge was not fair and you want to correct it. Any Veteran who has a discharge other than Honorable can apply for an upgrade. “Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Discharge Upgrade”: https://statesidelegal.org/step-step-guide-how-apply-discharge-upgrade; Questions: statesidelegal@gmail.com

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UM Law School Clinic Directory: https://www.umt.edu/law/academics/clinics/clinic-directory.php

Veterans Advocacy Clinic ~ FREE for Low Income Veterans: http://www.umt.edu/law/

The Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the School of Law has been partnering with the State Bar Veterans Law Section to train lawyers in the military discharge upgrade process. Interested veterans or service providers can email VeteransAdvClinic@mso.umt.edu

The Veterans Advocacy Clinic provides pro bono legal advocacy to Veterans and their families in Montana. 

VA claims for service-connected disability benefits, increased disability rating, applications for discharge upgrade, and consultation with practitioners on various legal issues for Veterans. Alexander Blewett III School of Law, University of Montana, (406) 243-4311

Questions: Hillary Wandler, Professor & Director, Alexander Blewett III School of Law, Clinic Wing, Room 110, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Msla, (406) 243-6788, hillary.wandler@umontana.edu; Schedule an Appointment:  https://calendly.com/hillary-wandler

UM LAW Faculty: http://www.umt.edu/law/faculty/directory/default.php?ID=3224

*** 2024 While Hillary is on sabbatical, please direct Veterans to Montana Legal Services Association for any civil law needs (divorce, bankruptcy, domestic violence, parenting plans, etc.: https://www.mtlsa.org/)

They will need to reach out to a VSO for assistance with VA appeals: MVAD 1911 Tower Street, Missoula – call for appointment: (406) 542-2501

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VA Veterans Justice Outreach ~ “A Guidebook for Incarcerated Veterans”: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Reentry_Guides.asp

Justice and Reentry-Related Services (VA Veterans Justice Outreach Program): https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp

Questions: Jackie Merritt, LCSW - Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist (406) 447-6021, jackie.merritt@va.gov

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Veterans Justice and Mental Health (VJMH) ~ Justice Programs Office at American University: https://www.american.edu/spa/jpo/

Questions: justice@american.edu

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