GCBA News: Board Appointments, Year-End Giving, Jan. CLE, Feb. CLE, Justice Court Holiday Information, Rural Declamation Contest
GCBA appoints Board Members, opens call for Board Member election
GCBA is pleased to announce the appointment of Bjorn Boyer (term end 2026) and Laing Wise (term end 2029) to the GCBA Board of Directors. Bjorn practices as a prosecutor with the City of Bozeman and Laing practices criminal defense with the Office of State Public Defender. Bjorn’s appointment fills a term vacancy created by a prior Board Member’s resignation and Laing’s appointment is to a vacant seat on the Board for a full term. Both appointments are subject to membership confirmation in 2026. Per our Bylaws, our membership is eligible to run against the appointees by election. If you are interested in running against either of the appointed Board Members you must indicate your interest no later than Dec. 31, 2025. You must be a current dues paying member of GCBA (dues cycle 2025-2026) and otherwise eligible under our Bylaws. Please indicate your interest by email to <gallatincobarassoc@gmail.com> by Dec. 31, 2025, and include the seat appointment you would like to contest.
GCBA seeks donations for Rural Declamation Contest scholarships
If your year end giving allows, please consider donating to GCBA Rural Declamation Scholarship Fund. The donations will be applied towards the Rural Declamation Contest in 2026. This event occurs in April each year and GCBA funds scholarships for the student awards and awards dinner. This event was founded in 1952 by Judge Lessley for middle school students of rural schools. Each student who participates chooses a written or oral submission, which are then judged by GCBA. Each year produces an impressive quality of work from the middle school students on thought provoking topics. You can donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/a3394035-a815-4472-8a31-0ba50111f1c4
GCBA announces Jan. 15, 2026 Bozeman Real Estate CLE
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Public Safety Center, Bozeman | $35.00 | 1.0 CLE credit (anticipated)
GCBA is pleased to welcome Katharine Hamilton to present updates on the Bozeman real estate market, along with updates regarding real estate law relevant to practicing Montana attorneys. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Virtual attendance is available. In-person space is limited, register today. To find more information and register go to gallatincountybarassociation.org/events
GCBA announces Feb. 19, 2026 Gallatin Co. Attorney’s Office CLE
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Public Safety Center, Bozeman | $35.00 | 1.0 CLE credit (anticipated)
GCBA is pleased to welcome County Attorney Audrey Cromwell to present updates on practice with and practical insight related to the Gallatin Co. Attorney’s Office. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Virtual attendance is available. In-person space is limited, register today. To find more information and register go to gallatincountybarassociation.org/events.
Gallatin Co. Justice Court Holiday Information
The Gallatin Co. Justice Court has announced the following relevant information for defendants during the holidays:
In recognition of the Holiday Season, having received several requests and anticipating numerous other requests, the following order is issued pursuant to the authority of the Court to modify bond and conditions of release and shall be effective: NOVEMBER 24, 2025 until NOVEMBER 30, 2025 AND/OR DECEMBER 22, 2025 until JANUARY 6, 2026. This Court issues a standing order without notice to individual defendants or counsel for the State of Montana or defense counsel and directs Pre-Trial Services accordingly; All requests for holiday travel between the above dates are hereby granted without further action for all Justice Court defendants currently under LEVEL 1 supervision; To qualify, all applicants must make the request in writing to pre-trial services, setting for the following: Date of Departure; Date of Return; Location visited, including phone numbers.
This order applies only to LEVEL 1 supervision and does not apply to any individual who has a court appearance scheduled during the holiday period or to any individual who is not currently in compliance with LEVEL 1 supervision requirements. All other bond requirements remain unchanged. All persons on random testing will be subject to Look-Back Tests. This administrative order expires January 6th, 2026.
Contact the Gallatin Co. Justice Court with questions or for a copy of the Administrative Order.
GCBA announces the 2026 Rural Declamation Contest
GCBA is pleased to announce the 74th Annual Declamation Contest for Rural Schools on April 30, 2026. This event is sponsored by the Gallatin Co. Bar Association in conjunction with the Gallatin Co. Superintendent of Schools, will be judged by members of GCBA, and will be moderated by Hon. J. Peter Ohman. It consists of an essay or oral presentation competition for students in grades 6-8 attending rural schools in Gallatin Co. This year’s theme is: Which reformer or activist from American history would be most effective leading change today? It is open to the public, and members are encouraged to attend to support these young orators and essayists. For more information go to gallatincountybarassociation.org/events.