Montana Lawyer August/September 2024

Judge Benjamin Hursh: Celebrating a Legacy of Integrity and Service with the Karla Gray Award At this year’s State Bar Annual

of this award may be a mistake,” he reflects. Hursh attributes his recognition of the importance of access to justice to the dedicated work of those at Montana Legal Services and the Montana Justice Foundation. “It is the individuals at Montana Legal services and the Montana Justice Foundation who ensure access to essential legal services,” he explains. He believes that these organizations and their efforts are deserving of the spotlight. Hursh’s commitment to legal ser vices was influenced by his experience with Klaus Sitte, Peter Habein and Gary Connelly. “As a student, I was on Klaus Sitte’s negotiation team,” Hursh notes. “Klause’ dedication to Montana Legal services was unrivaled. The combina tion of Klaus’s dedication, Peter’s words at Crowley’s associate onboarding about the importance of pro bono, and my work with Crowley’s pro bono lawyer Gary Connelly, left an indelible mark on me.” Their emphasis on pro bono work and access to justice has guided Hursh’s own advocacy and support for these initiatives throughout his career. Insights Gained and Wisdom Passed On Judge Hursh has gained valuable insights throughout his career, which he shares with both new and experienced lawyers. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance: “There is no alternative to the grind. Every successful lawyer I have crossed paths with logged the hours in the chair,” he says. This re lentless dedication is essential for achiev ing success in the legal profession. Maintaining professional integrity is another crucial lesson Hursh imparts. “You must be willing to tell the client, ‘no,’ even if it means the client will take their work elsewhere,” he advises. Upholding one’s credibility and reputation is more valuable than any immediate financial reward. For young lawyers, Hursh recommends managing expectations and delivering on promises. “Always under-promise and over-deliver, otherwise the practice will be punishing,” he suggests. Additionally, he values having a trusted peer for sup port: “It is important to have a wing-man, or woman in the profession,” he notes.

Meeting, Judge Benjamin Hursh will be honored with the Karla Gray Award, a prestigious accolade recognizing his exceptional contributions to the legal community and his unwavering com mitment to justice. This award celebrates Judge Hursh’s distinguished career and the values he embodies as a leader in the legal profession. A Career Shaped by Mentorship and Professional Relationships Judge Hursh’s career, spanning over two decades, is distinguished by the influential mentors and colleagues who have guided his journey. Early in his legal career, he was fortunate to receive meticu lous guidance from Dan Cederberg. “Dan Cederberg patiently red-lined every draft I gave him,” Hursh recalls. “He would take my printed draft and scribble his edits using a red Bic pen, then sit with me and explain each change.” This careful and dedicated mentorship laid a strong foun dation for Hursh’s career. His work at Crowley, with Bill Lamdin, and Mike Dockery provided further sig nificant support. “Lamdin and Dockery’s investments in me have served me well throughout my career,” Hursh acknowl edges. These experiences were instrumen tal in shaping his professional approach and dedication. The Great Recession brought new challenges and opportunities. Hursh’s col laboration with Boston bankruptcy lawyer Paul Moore was also important to his professional development. “Paul Moore had significant experience working on complex reorganizations,” Hursh shares. Despite Moore’s often harsh criticism, Hursh values it for making him a better lawyer. “Although the delivery could be rough, the underlying critique was con structive and I benefitted immensely from it,” he explains, highlighting the value of receiving and embracing constructive feedback. The Karla Gray Award: A Humble Recognition Receiving the Karla Gray Award is both an honor and a humbling experience for Judge Hursh. “Although I consider it a tremendous honor, I think my receipt

Having a reliable sounding board for per sonal and professional issues is invaluable. Building Relationships and Maintaining Professionalism Judge Hursh places great importance on fostering relationships within the legal community. “Discussing a case face-to face over lunch with opposing counsel is more productive than any email you will write,” he says. Building trust and mutual respect with opposing counsel enhances the legal process and leads to better outcomes for clients. “When you culti vate relationships with opposing counsel over years that result in mutual trust, the results for your client and theirs will be better time after time,” he explains. He also underscores the broader implications of professionalism. “If clients observe lawyers treating other lawyers badly or blaming the court for an adverse outcome, it undermines their confidence in all of us and the judicial process,” Hursh cautions. Maintaining professional ism is crucial for preserving public trust in the judiciary. A Legacy of Excellence and Dedication As Judge Benjamin Hursh receives the Karla Gray Award, his career stands as a testament to the profound impact of dedication, mentorship, and integrity. His journey reflects the values of hard work, ethical practice, and a deep commitment to justice. Judge Hursh’s legacy is marked by his exceptional ability to balance pro fessional demands with a genuine con cern for the broader impact of his work. His story underscores the importance of valuing relationships, maintaining professionalism, and continually striving for excellence, offering a model for future generations of lawyers to follow.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024

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