Montana Lawyer April/May 2024

FEDERAL COURT

Jackson Nomined to the Federal Court

$280/hr. First 4 hours of travel time free “Gregg is an excellent mediator. He is well prepared and he has the experience to give you an accurate analysis of your case. Like any good mediator, he does a good job of listening to the parties and making sure each side understands the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. I wholeheartedly recommend Gregg Smith as a mediator on any civil litigation matter.” —Steve Fitzpatrick, Montana State Senator and trial attorney “An effective mediator must be empathetic, experienced, and persistent. A mediator needs insight to identify a position both parties can live with, persuasive credibility, and determination to see the matter through. Gregg Smith embodies these strengths as a mediator. A seasoned litigator, he understands that although parties need to be heard and validated in their grievances as a prerequisite to resolution, trial is rarely their best alternative. And he is tireless to the point of doggedness in his commitment to achieving compromise. Gregg's dedication to finding clients a reasonable solution is compelling. I could not recommend him more highly.” —Quentin Rhoades, Missoula trial attorney Looking for someone with a proven track record? Looking for a mediator who’s tried some cases? Caught behind your Scheduling Order? I will work hard to accommodate short notice settlement conferences RESULTS MATTER!

On April 23rd, President Biden nomi nated Danna Jackson, Tribal Attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo, Montana to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Montana. If confirmed, Jackson will replace Judge Dana Christensen and will be the first American Indian to serve as a federal judge in Montana.

According to the White House, Jackson’s nomination, one of several nationwide, “continue(s) to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets of our country - both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.” Jackson previously served at the U.S. Department of the Interior as Senior Counselor to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management and then Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science from 2021 to 2023. Before that, Ms. Jackson served as Chief Legal Counsel at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in Helena, Montana, from 2016 to 2021 and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Tribal Liaison in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana from 2010 to 2016. Senator Jon Tester praised Jackson having “a proven track record of ap plying the law with fairness and integrity throughout her legal career.” Tester added, “…her extensive experience at every level of Montana’s legal system makes her well qualified to serve our state…” Senator Steve Daines, more guarded in his comments, took aim at the White House: “Unfortunately, President Biden failed to seriously consult with me prior to making this nomination,” but added “I look forward to reviewing Ms. Jackson’s background and record to evaluate if this nomination is the right fit for Montana.”

Matthew J. Bunkers, Ph.D. | 605.390.7243 Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) Have a case where weather may be a factor? https://npweather.com/forms/CCM-article.pdf • 30 + years of weather/forecasting experience • Consulting, reports, depositions, & testimony • Specialties: forensic meteorology, slip and falls, heavy rain and flooding, high winds, fog, severe storms, hail, tornadoes,

winter weather, heavy snow, icing, fire weather, weather related accidents, agriculture weather, lightning verification, radar, and satellite https://npweather.com | nrnplnsweather@gmail.com

APRIL-MAY 2024

17

WWW.MONTANABAR.ORG