Montana Lawyer August/September 2024

Honoring a Trailblazer: Celebrating the Career of Carey Matovich In the realm of legal excellence, Carey

Receiving the Jameson Award at the State Bar’s Annual Meeting is a profound honor for Matovich. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the award, especially since Judge Jameson was always one of my legal idols,” she reflects. This recognition is not only a personal accolade but also a testa ment to Matovich’s exceptional career and her adherence to the values of integrity and excellence. Matovich’s humility in accepting the award speaks to her respect for her peers. “It is totally unexpected, as there are so many more deserving lawyers in Montana,” she adds, underscoring her admiration for the local legal community. Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom Throughout her career, Matovich has embraced a fundamental principle that she believes is essential for success: practicing law with integrity and respect. “The golden rule of lawyering is the best mantra for me,” she asserts. This guiding principle has influenced her approach to every case and interaction, ensuring that she maintains the highest stan dards of professionalism and ethical conduct. For young lawyers and those inspired by her career, Matovich offers practical advice: “Work harder than any of your opponents, and you will prevail even against those who are much wiser than you.” She emphasizes that success in the legal field is often a result of thorough preparation and relentless dedication. Matovich also highlights the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues. “We are blessed to be in a profession where the journey is truly enjoy able, and we are able to develop life-long friendships and memories,” she notes. Her appreciation for the collaborative and sup portive nature of the legal profession reflects her belief in the importance of community and mentorship. Challenges and Insights Reflecting on her career, Matovich acknowledges the

Matovich stands out as a beacon of dedica tion, integrity, and trial mastery. At this year’s State Bar Annual Meeting, Matovich is set to receive the prestigious Jameson Award, a recognition that underscores her exceptional contributions to the legal field and her un wavering commitment to the values of justice and professionalism. A Journey Defined by Passion and Integrity Carey Matovich’s remarkable journey began in 1981 when she graduated from the University of Montana School of Law. Eager to embark on her legal career, she joined Holland & Hart in Billings. While the firm provided invaluable experience and exposure to high-caliber legal work, Matovich soon re alized that the big-firm environment did not align with her personal style and values. Determined to create a practice that reflected her aspirations and commitment to personalized client service, Matovich founded her own firm. What started as a solo prac tice has grown into a respected firm of four lawyers. Despite opportunities to practice in Colorado, Matovich chose to remain in Billings, where she has become an integral part of the local legal community. Significant Milestones and Service Matovich’s career is marked by sig nificant milestones and dedicated service. Her tenure on Montana’s Commission on Practice from 2001 to 2012 allowed her to influence key aspects of legal practice in the state. Additionally, her role on the Board of the Montana Justice Foundation from 2015 to 2019 demonstrated her commitment to advancing justice and supporting legal education. Currently, as a Regent for the American College of Trial Lawyers, Matovich continues to impact the legal field on a national level. Her involvement with the College highlights her dedication to the highest standards of trial practice and her ongoing mentorship of fellow attorneys. The Significance of the Jameson Award

challenges and experiences that have shaped her professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of stepping up when needed and striving for excellence in every case. “Our clients will judge all lawyers by the quality of the work we do for them,” she observes. This perspective underscores her commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and the meaningful impact that legal work can have on clients’ lives. Matovich also shares a valuable insight for those just starting out: “You don’t have to be the biggest fish in the pond to make a dif ference.” Her experience has taught her that the Montana bar is exceptional in terms of both support and civility. “None of them are any better than the lawyers in Montana,” she asserts, highlighting the quality and integrity of the local legal community. A Legacy of Excellence As Carey Matovich is honored with the Jameson Award at the State Bar’s Annual Meeting, her story serves as a testament to the impact one dedicated lawyer can have. Her career, marked by hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to her clients, not only exemplifies the values of the legal profession but also inspires others to strive for excellence. Matovich’s journey is a powerful remind er of the importance of passion, dedication, and ethical practice in achieving lasting suc cess. Her contributions to the field, coupled with her recognition through the Jameson Award, solidify her legacy as a trailblazer and a role model in the legal profession.

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