Montana Lawyer August/September 2024

Celebrating D. Michael Eakin: A Beacon of Pro Bono Excellence In a world where legal challenges can often seem insurmountable, D. Michael Eakin stands out as a beacon of hope and dedication. Recently honored with the Neil Haight Pro Bono Award, Eakin’s career is a testament to the transforma tive power of selfless service in the legal profession. Eakin’s journey began in 1976 with Montana's Annual Meeting in September. The event will serve as a fitting celebra tion of his remarkable contributions and a chance to reflect on the values that have guided his exemplary career. Reflecting on his career, Eakin em phasizes the profound rewards of pro bono work. His advice to young lawyers is straightforward yet powerful: "Just do it." careers, Eakin offers sage advice: "Never be afraid to ask for help." This

openness to seeking guidance

the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA), where he dedicated nearly four decades of his career as a staff attor ney. During this time, he became a vital advocate for those who could not afford legal representation, particularly in appel late work. His tenure at MLSA not only shaped his professional trajectory but also ingrained in him a deep commitment to pro bono service. The Neil Haight Award, named in honor of the former MLSA director who was a mentor to Eakin, holds special significance for him. It is not merely a rec ognition of his professional achievements but a tribute to the values and principles that guided his early career. For Eakin, re ceiving this award is a poignant reminder of the legacy of Haight and the enduring impact of his mentorship. Eakin will receive this prestigious award at the upcoming State Bar of

pivot to social work after completing her undergraduate studies. This shift set the stage for a deeply impactful career in law, marked by notable milestones and a profound commitment to justice. A Dynamic Career Path Althauser's entry into the legal field began with a focus on representing chil dren in foster care, a role that allowed her to advocate for some of society's most vulnerable members. Reflecting on her early career, she noted, “I repre sented children in foster care for many years when I first started practicing,” emphasizing her early dedication to advocacy. Her work with a sliding scale law firm in Missoula further highlighted her commitment to accessible legal services, where she proudly shared, “We developed a successful law firm model Pro bono cases, he believes, can some times offer more satisfaction than paid work. By maintaining at least one pro bono case, young lawyers can experience firsthand the fulfilling nature of giving back to the community. Eakin’s professional growth has been marked by numerous lessons, both large and small. He recalls a formative moment during a 9th Circuit case, where a judge praised an attorney’s brevity in their reply brief. This simple yet impactful feedback has stayed with him, highlighting the im portance of clarity and efficiency in legal practice. Staying motivated in the demanding field of law requires a deep sense of pride in one's work, a principle that Eakin holds dear. His commitment to excellence is driven by a genuine respect for the craft and a dedication to his clients. For those just starting out in their legal

is a crucial element of professional development and success.

based on representing clients for $60-$75 per hour.” Her leadership skills soon became evident as she served as president of both the New Lawyers Section and the Western Montana Bar Association. These roles allowed her to shape the legal com munity and mentor emerging lawyers. In 2021, her commitment to pro bono work was recognized when she received the Neil Haight Pro Bono Award for her contributions to Guardian ad Litem (GAL) cases in Missoula County. This accolade was a significant affirmation of her dedication to service. Today, Althauser brings her wealth of experience to the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana, where she serves as the admis sions director. In this role, she helps D. Michael Eakin’s recognition with the Neil Haight Pro Bono Award not only celebrates his distinguished career but also highlights the vital role of pro bono work in the legal field. His journey is an inspiring reminder that dedication to service and a commitment to excel lence can profoundly impact both the profession and the lives of those it serves. Congratulations, D. Michael Eakin, on this well-deserved honor. Your legacy of advocacy and service continues to shine brightly, and we look forward to cel ebrating your achievements at the State Bar of Montana's Annual Meeting this September.

Meri Althauser: Award Recipient and a Journey from Music to Law in Pursuit of Justice

Meri Althauser's career trajectory is a testament to the power of evolving passions and unwavering dedication. Initially envisioning a future as a concert violinist, Althauser made a significant

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