Montana Lawyer August/September 2024

select and train the next generation of legal professionals, shaping the future of law through her leadership and vision. “I now have the privilege of helping to select and train our next lawyers,” she said, highlight ing her commitment to fostering future legal talent. The Significance of the Frank Haswell Award Meri Althauser is set to receive the prestigious Frank Haswell Award at the State Bar of Montana's annual meeting, a recognition that honors her exceptional contributions to writing and storytelling. The award acknowledges her ability to connect with readers on a personal level. For Althauser, this accolade is more than a professional milestone; it is a validation of her efforts to communicate heartfelt and impactful stories. She reflected, “This award, as well as hearing from readers who felt supported by my writing, is an honor that truly has not even yet sunk in.” Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Lawyers Reflecting on her career, Althauser identifies authenticity as a cornerstone of her success. “The most important lesson I learned that contributed to my success is to be myself,” she stated. Overcoming imposter syndrome and the pressure to conform, she found that embracing her This September, the State Bar of Montana will celebrate one of its most distinguished legal profession als, Jean Faure, as she receives the prestigious George Bousliman Award at its Annual Meeting. This esteemed honor, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the legal field, will be presented to Jean in acknowledg ment of her remarkable career and her steadfast dedication to the practice of law. Jean Faure’s career is a compelling narrative of adaptability, resilience, and relentless commitment. Her jour ney began with a deep-seated aspira tion to clerk for a Federal District Court Judge in Montana. However, as Jean reflects, “Few career paths are linear. Mine definitely was not.” Despite missing out on this initial

if there are days I am not motivated and don't strive for excellence,” she said. This balanced approach helps her sustain her passion and effectiveness in her practice. One critical piece of advice she wishes she had known earlier is the availability of concrete skills and methods for manag ing imposter syndrome, difficult inter personal conflicts, and burnout. “I wish I had known that there were concrete skills and methods for dealing with imposter syndrome, difficult people, burnout, and other difficult inter-personal conflicts,” she reflected. Understanding that these chal lenges can be addressed through specific strategies has been instrumental in her professional development. Conclusion Meri Althauser's journey from aspiring violinist to distinguished legal professional illustrates a career marked by adaptability, dedication, and a deep commitment to justice. Her achievements, including the Frank Haswell Award to be presented at the State Bar of Montana's annual meeting, and her influential role at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, highlight her impact on the legal community. As she continues to inspire and mentor, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and compassion in the pursuit of excellence. unfolded when she and Jason Holden founded their own law firm in Great Falls. This new venture allowed Jean to specialize in employment and labor law, further expanding her professional hori zons. “That work has opened doors to relationships across the United States and collaboration with some of the finest employment attorneys in the country,” she says. This phase of her career has been marked by extensive networking and collabora tion, contributing to her reputation The next pivot al chapter in Jean’s career

true self was key to thriving as a lawyer, mentor, and writer. Her advice to young lawyers is simple yet profound: “We know how to be a good person, or a good friend, but being a good lawyer requires being explicit about the characteristics that make you that good person and amplifying those skills to benefit others.” Althauser also emphasizes the impor tance of resilience in the face of challenges. Some of her most formative experiences came from situations where her efforts could not alter the outcome, but where her presence and compassion provided solace to clients. “The moments that shaped me the most were the moments where my ability to help someone was actually hopeless,” she noted. These moments highlighted the significance of offering emotional support and peace, regardless of the final legal resolution. “No matter what outcome we're capable of achieving, we're all capable of achieving that moment of peace for our clients.” Maintaining Motivation and Embracing Growth To stay motivated and strive for excel lence, Althauser practices the same tools she writes about. She also acknowledges the importance of self-compassion, recog nizing that it is acceptable to have off days. “I give myself the grace to know it's okay opportunity, she embraced an un expected path that led her to clerk with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco and San Diego. These two years were pivotal, providing her with invaluable experiences and shaping her future in profound ways. “I spent two of the best years of my life in California,” she recalls. Upon her return to Montana, Jean joined the prestigious law firm of Church, Harris, Johnson & Williams in Great Falls. Her early career was characterized by a focus on plaintiff’s cases, where she achieved notable suc cess. A standout moment came during a brain injury trial in Libby, Montana. In this landmark case, the jury’s deci sion to award “everything they asked for” not only demonstrated Jean’s effective advocacy but also established a precedent on Montana’s recreational use statute.

Jean Faure Honored with George Bousliman Award for Distinction and Professionalism

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024

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