GCBA Events
Gallatin County Bar Association Event Information
Gallatin County Bar Association hosts various social, networking, and educational events throughout the year. During general election years Gallatin County Bar Association strives to host relevant candidate forums for local and statewide elections. This page is the best resource for the most up to date information about Gallatin County Bar Association’s calendar of events. All continuing legal education (CLE) events are open to members, non-members, and the public, subject to capacity limitations, and many CLEs offer a virtual attendance option. For each CLE, Gallatin County Bar Association submits attendance to the State Bar of Montana for CLE credit (attendance certificates not provided). Attendance certificates are available on request for out of state CLE credit self reporting or non-legal professional development or educational requirements. Certain events are for members only and indicated in the event information below. See the registration information for each event. Click on “map” below for each event’s precise location, and click to download any event to your Google Calendar or Apple (ICS) calendar.
Gallatin County Attorney’s Office Practice CLE
Who: Member attorneys, non-member attorneys, and non-attorneys
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00
CLE credit: 1.0 general (anticipated)
Details: Join us for a CLE presented by Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney, who will provide important updates related to practice with the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office. This CLE will cover recent developments, office policies, and practical guidance for attorneys who regularly interact with the office in both criminal and civil matters. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from the County Attorney on changes that impact daily practice in Gallatin County courts and ask questions related to their practice with the office.
This event is paperless. Any handouts will be provided before or after the event by email. Virtual attendance is available. Lunch from Five on Black (subject to change) is included for those attending in person. Please indicate on the form if you would like a vegetarian option. Feel free to stick around for 15 minutes afterward to network and mingle with attendees and chat with the presenter. Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there.
2026 Law Day, Oral Argument
Who: Open to the public
Where: MSU Strand Union Building
When: 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
CLE credit: 1.50 general (anticipated)
Details: Save the date, details to follow. Oral argument before the Montana Supreme Court. CLE credit received by attendance at oral argument.
2026 Rural Declamation Contest
Who: Open to the public
Where: Gallatin Co. Courthouse (old courthouse), 311 W. Main
When: 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: 74th Annual Declamation Contest for Rural Schools. This event is sponsored by GCBA in conjunction with the Gallatin Co. Superintendent of Schools. It consists of an essay or oral presentation competition for students in grades 6-8 attending rural schools in Gallatin Co.
THEME: Which reformer or activist from American history would be most effective leading change today?
RULES:
Declamation Options: Each contestant must select an option to enter. Contestants may participate in only one option in a given year. Entries must be the student’s original, previously unused work.
Option 1: Oral Presentation
An originally composed and recited 3- to 5-minute memorized speech.
Option 2: Written Presentation
An originally composed essay written at school under the direct supervision of a teacher.
Oral Presentation rules: Contestants prepare and present a speech on the theme that is entirely memorized. If necessary, a student may be prompted; prompts will count against the final score. The time for each speaker shall not be less than three minutes or more than five minutes in length. MORE or LESS time than allowed will disqualify the speaker. Each school may enter four contestants for participation in the oral declamation. All oral declamations will be presented and judged on the day of the contest.
Written Presentation rules: Contestants write on the theme for up to ninety minutes under the direct supervision of a teacher. The time may be split into two sessions; however, the essay must be completed in one day. It is the coordinating teacher’s responsibility to assure that these rules are followed, and the integrity of the contest is upheld. If the time is split, the teacher must retain possession of all entries and notes during the break. The paper is limited to 600 words. Essays longer than 600 words shall be disqualified. A bibliography must be included as the last page and does not count toward 600 words. Contestants must have done all research prior to the day selected for writing. The only documents the student is allowed to access during the 90-minute writing period are as follows: Direct quotes with citations. A simple hand-written outline. The teacher must verify that the student’s outline is not the actual essay, but a true outline. Notes containing facts necessary for essay completion. The only writing tools permitted for use during the 90-minute writing time are as follows: Handwritten essay—pencil and paper, dictionary; Computer or word processor essays—the student may use the spell/grammar check option; the teacher must verify that the student is using only the word processing program. Access to the internet, memory sticks, or previously saved work is not permitted and shall disqualify the student. Google Docs citation tool may be used (with knowledge of source before writing). The printing of the essay is not included in the ninety minutes. Each school may enter four contestants for participation in the written declamation.
PRIZES:
The first-place finalists will receive a trophy and either $500.00 cash (oral) or $400.00 cash (written). The second-place finalists will receive a trophy and either $350.00 cash (oral) or $250.00 cash (written). The third-place finalists each receive a trophy and either $200.00 cash (oral) or $100.00 cash (written).
2027 Law Day, Oral Argument
Who: Open to the public
Where: MSU Strand Union Building
When: 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
CLE credit: 1.50 general (anticipated)
Details: Save the date, details to follow. Oral argument before the Montana Supreme Court. CLE credit received by attendance at oral argument.
2028 Law Day, Oral Argument
Who: Open to the public
Where: MSU Strand Union Building
When: 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
CLE credit: 1.50 general (anticipated)
Details: Save the date, details to follow. Oral argument before the Montana Supreme Court. CLE credit received by attendance at oral argument.
Bozeman Real Estate Market & Real Estate Law CLE
Who: Member attorneys, non-member attorneys, and non-attorneys
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00
CLE credit: 1.0 general (anticipated)
Details: Join attorney and licensed real estate broker Katharine Hamilton for an overview of the Bozeman real estate market. This CLE will cover key market trends, consumer behavior, and recent industry developments relevant to Montana attorneys. Katharine will highlight laws and regulations impacting agent representation, contract negotiations, and other legal considerations in real estate transactions. Attendees will gain practical insights to help clients navigate the legal and transactional challenges of today’s market and specific information relevant to buying and selling homes in the area.
This event is paperless. Any handouts will be provided before or after the event by email. Virtual attendance is available. Lunch from Fink’s Delicatessen (subject to change) is included for those attending in person. Please indicate on the form if you would like a vegetarian option. Feel free to stick around for 15 minutes afterward to network and mingle with attendees and chat with the presenter. Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there.
Holiday Social Networking Event
Who: Members, invited judicial guests of GCBA, non-members with registration
Where: Ponderosa Social Club, 515 W. Aspen
When: 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members, non-members $15.00
Details: Relax, mix, and mingle with your fellow GCBA members and judicial guests invited by GCBA. Catered heavy appetizers and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided. RSVP or registration required. Members and invited judicial guests RSVP at the link below. Non-members may attend by paid registration. Non-members include spouses, support staff, non-member attorneys, etc.
Brawl of the Wild (Cat-Griz) Football Tailgate Social Networking Event
Who: Members
Where: Alexander Blewett III School of Law, University of Montana, Law School Atrium, 32 Campus Drive
When: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members
Details: Join us at a tailgate for the 124th Brawl of the Wild cohosted by GCBA, Western Montana Bar Association (WMBA), and Yellowstone Area Bar Association (YABA) and relax, support your team, mix, and mingle with attorneys from all over Montana. Catered breakfast items and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided. No RSVP required.
Montana Supreme Court Practice CLE
Who: Member attorneys, non-member attorneys, and non-attorneys
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $40.00
CLE credit: 1.5 general (approved)
Details: Join us for a CLE presented by Hon. Chief Justice Cory Swanson and court administrator Dave McAlpin who will provide an update on Montana Supreme Court practice and procedure. This CLE will highlight information relevant to those who practice before the Montana Supreme Court and general judicial branch information relevant for all practicing Montana attorneys. Attendees will gain practical insight and have the opportunity to ask questions related to their practice of law in Montana.
This event is paperless. Any handouts will be provided before or after the event by email. Virtual attendance is available. Lunch from Pho Saigon (subject to change) is included for those attending in person. Please indicate on the form if you would like a vegetarian option. Feel free to stick around for 15 minutes afterward to network and mingle with attendees and chat with the presenter. Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there.
First Thursday Social Networking Event
Who: Members only
Where: La Brasserie, 31 S. Willson Ave.
When: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members (first $100 hosted by GCBA)
Details: Relax, mix, and mingle with your fellow GCBA members. RSVP highly encouraged. Members RSVP at the link below.
Gallatin County Justice Center Judges & Attorneys Meet & Greet Networking Event
Who: Attorneys
Where: Gallatin County Justice Center, Jury Assembly Room, 515 S. 16th Ave.
When: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Meet judges and staff of the Eighteenth Judicial District Court and Gallatin County Justice Court and fellow attorneys. Coffee, juice, and pastries provided. RSVP required. Members RSVP at the link below.
State & Federal Leave & Accommodation Laws for Small Businesses CLE
Who: Member attorneys, non-member attorneys, and non-attorneys
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00
CLE credit: 1.0 general (approved)
Details: Join us for a CLE focused on advising Montana small businesses on compliance with state and federal leave and accommodation laws presented by Lana Steven. Lana will discuss the interplay between federal statutes—such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)—and Montana’s distinct legal landscape such as Montana’s maternity leave law and state-specific accommodation laws. Attendees will gain practical strategies for helping small business clients navigate these laws, respond to employee requests, and minimize legal exposure.
This event is paperless. Any handouts will be provided before or after the event by email. Virtual attendance is available. Lunch from Spitz Mediterranean Street Food (subject to change) is included for those attending in person. Please indicate on the form if you would like a vegetarian option. Feel free to stick around for 15 minutes afterward to network and mingle with attendees and chat with the presenter. Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there.
First Thursday Social Networking Event
Who: Members only
Where: La Brasserie, 31 S. Willson Ave.
When: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members (first $100 hosted by GCBA)
Details: Relax, mix, and mingle with your fellow GCBA members. RSVP highly encouraged. Members RSVP at the link below.
Golf Social Networking Event
Who: Any member of the legal community, including member-attorneys, non-member attorneys, family members or friends, support staff, judicial staff
Where: Bridger Creek Golf Course, 2710 McIlhattan Rd.
Start time: 9:30 a.m., with staggering tee times every 10 minutes
Cost: $110.00 per player, which includes 18 holes, a cart, prizes/payouts, and lunch provided
Details: Four-person scramble (rules and details provided at the event). We will organize teams for anyone who signs up with less than a full team (i.e., you can sign up as a four-person team, a solo, or anything in between). Register at the link below.
Federal Indian Law & Montana’s Statewide Water Adjudication CLE
Who: Member attorneys, non-member attorneys, and non-attorneys
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00
CLE credit: 1.0 general (approved)
Details: Join us for a CLE on the intersection of federal Indian law and state water law presented by Sarah Crawford and Madeleine Weisz. The CLE will include the fundamentals of federal Indian law, including Indian law 101 and core tenets such as inherent tribal sovereignty, the federal government's trust responsibility toward federally recognized tribes, tribal jurisdiction, and tribal treaty rights, as well as the legal framework as it pertains to tribal water rights. It will also include how federal reserved water rights, including tribal water rights, are incorporated into the state's water adjudication, and an overview of key cases establishing the Reserved Water Rights Doctrine; a history of the statutorily created Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission and its role in the adjudication; and an update on the pending litigation before the Water Court in the CSKT-United States-Montana Compact.
This event is paperless. Any handouts will be provided before or after the event by email. Virtual attendance is available. Lunch from Fink’s Delicatessen (subject to change) is included for those attending in person. Please indicate on the form if you would like a vegetarian option. Feel free to stick around for 15 minutes afterward to network and mingle with attendees and chat with the presenters. Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there.
First Thursday Social Networking Event
Who: Members only
Where: City Vineyard, 2825 W. Main
When: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members (first $100 hosted by GCBA)
Details: Relax, mix, and mingle with your fellow GCBA members. RSVP highly encouraged. Members RSVP at the link below.
Ethics CLE & 2025 Annual Meeting
Who: Members only
Where: Public Safety Center, 901 N. Rouse
When: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members
CLE credit: 0.50 ethics (approved)
Details: GCBA's 2025 annual meeting and CLE in the Chuck Winn Community Room. This event is for members only and includes a free 30 minute ethics CLE (approved credit). The CLE is presented by Thomas Karem called "The Warrior's Breath: Bridling the Sympathetic Nervous System." Thomas explains mindfulness techniques to enhance your life and practice of law. Then we will conduct our annual meeting. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Registration is not required, attendance will be taken at the event, and there is no option for virtual attendance. We look forward to seeing you there.
Summer Social Networking Event
Who: Members only
Where: City Vineyard, 2825 W. Main
When: 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members
Details: Relax, mix, and mingle with your fellow GCBA members and judicial guests invited by GCBA. Catered appetizers and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided. Members RSVP at the link below.