GCBA News: Oct. CLE, Nov. CLE, W. Yellowstone RFP & ABOTA CLE
Announcing our next CLE Guardianship & Conservatorship Basics: A Comprehensive Overview, Oct. 15
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Public Safety Center, Bozeman | $35.00 | 1.0 CLE general credit (anticipated)
Join us for a CLE presented by Melanie D’Isidoro. Guardianships and conservatorships are among the most important protections available to vulnerable Montanans, yet many practitioners may be unsure where to begin. This CLE will offer attorneys a practical introduction to guardianship and conservatorship, including what each involves, how they differ, who may need one, and how they interact with an existing power of attorney. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for handling a guardianship or conservatorship from start to finish. This CLE is well suited for attorneys who are new to this area or who may encounter it in family law, elder law, or general practice, as well as those simply looking to build foundational knowledge. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Virtual attendance is available. In-person space is limited, register today. Click to register. Register for all events at gallatincountybarassociation.org/events
Announcing our Nov. CLE Depositions: Improper Objections & How to Deal with Them, Nov. 19
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Public Safety Center, Bozeman | $35.00 | 1.0 CLE general credit (anticipated)
Join us for a CLE presented by Robert K. Baldwin. Depositions are one of the most important tools in litigation, often shaping the course of a case well before trial. Yet improper objections can disrupt testimony, coach witnesses, and undermine the value of the record. This CLE will begin with why depositions matter and then explain the difference between proper and improper objections, giving attorneys a practical framework for recognizing when opposing counsel has crossed the line. The presenter will describe to how to handle improper objections when they arise, drawing on his nearly four decades of practice. Attendees will leave better prepared to protect the record, keep depositions on track, and respond effectively to obstructive conduct. This CLE is well suited for litigators at any stage of their career, as well as those who take or defend depositions only occasionally and want to sharpen their skills. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Virtual attendance is available. In-person space is limited, register today. Click to register. Register for all events at gallatincountybarassociation.org/events
The Town of West Yellowstone Seeks Legal Services by Oct. 30
ABOTA Masters in Trial Demonstration, Nov. 13
The Montana Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is excited to announce the Masters in Trial (MIT) demonstration this fall. This is a rare opportunity to watch top notch, experienced jury lawyers from Montana and other states in action, and to observe live jury deliberation via video feed. The MIT program will be held at the University of Montana (University Ballroom) on Friday, November 13, 2026, 8:00am-4:30pm. The event has been approved for 6.5 CLE credits.
The mock trial case involves a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by a surviving widow against her husband’s primary care physician, alleging negligent care and treatment in several respects. Her husband, 51-years old, died from a heart attack after several visits to the physician. The doctor denies these claims, contending the treatments provided were within the medically recognized standard of care.
The program is a full-day trial presentation with opening statements through closing arguments and includes the direct and cross examination of the Plaintiff, Defendant doctor, and their expert witnesses. Twelve persons will sit as jurors for the trial. The deliberations will be live streamed to the audience.
All trial team attorneys are ABOTA members and are accomplished jury trial advocates. This year’s roster includes:
Hon. Kathleen DeSoto Judge
Cliff Edwards Plaintiff Opening
Sean Goicoechea Defense Opening
Roland Durocher Plaintiff Direct
Deb Tropp (ABOTA Foundation President) Plaintiff CX
Jon Moyers Plaintiff Expert Direct
Jennifer Doan (ABOTA Past President) Plaintiff Expert CX
Mitzi Mayfield (TX attorney) Defendant Doctor Direct
Justin Stalpes Defendant Doctor CX
Matt Hayhurst Defense Expert Direct
Mark Kovacich Defense Expert CX
Cal Stacey Plaintiff Closing
Tasha Jones Defense Closing