Montana Lawyer August/September 2025

George L. Bouslimann Professionalism Award – Lt. Governor Kristen Juras

This year’s George L. Bouslimann Professionalism Award will be presented to Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, whose career as a lawyer, law profes sor, and now statewide elected official reflects the highest ideals of profession alism. The award is named for longtime

also instrumental in developing the Montana Law Seminar, served as a bar exam grader, and frequently presented CLEs at State Bar events. In addition, she taught law at the University of Montana. Dean Elaine Gagliardi, who taught alongside Juras, observed: “Throughout her career, Lt. Gov. Juras has demon strated a deep commitment to the rule of law and to improv ing the legal system. She was a beloved law professor and, by example, inspired a generation of law students to be excellent lawyers and devote time to providing pro bono services.” Juras is currently serving her second term as Montana’s lieutenant governor.

State Bar executive director George Bouslimann. Juras has long been active in bar service, notably through the BETTR Section, where she was a key contribu tor to the significant 2019 rewrite of the Montana Business Corporation Act and many other legislative efforts. She was

Karla M. Gray Equal Justice Award – Judge Jessica Fehr (Billings)

The legacy of former Chief Justice Karla Gray in promoting access to justice is reflected in this year’s recipi ent of the Karla M. Gray Equal Justice Award: Judge Jessica Fehr of Billings. Nominations for the award are submit ted to the State Bar by the Montana

Since joining the bench in 2018, Judge Fehr has been a steadfast advocate for ensuring that all Montanans, regard less of their circumstances, have access to fair and impartial justice. She also leads a successful treatment court in the Thirteenth Judicial District, providing a critical second chance for individuals navigating the judicial system.

Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission.

Neil Haight Pro Bono Award – Mike Talia

The Neil Haight Pro Bono Award celebrates extraordinary contributions to pro bono service. This year’s honoree, Mike Talia of Jackson, Murdo & Grant in Helena, has long exemplified a commitment to helping

those who otherwise could not afford legal representation. Talia helped spearhead Helena’s Order of Protection Project (see related story in the June/July 2025 Montana Lawyer), which connects domestic violence survivors with attorneys.

Frank I. Haswell Writing Award – Molly Considine

Excellence in legal writing for the best con tribution to the Montana Lawyer magazine is recognized with the Frank I. Haswell Award, presented this year to Molly Considine of Patten, Peterman, Bekkedahl & Green, PLLC, in Billings. A past chair of the Bankruptcy

Section and active member of the BETTR Section, Considine was honored for her thoughtful article, “ Representing an Agent Under a Financial Power of Attorney .”

The Past Presidents Committee and the elected leadership of the State Bar extend heartfelt congratulations to each of these distinguished awardees. Their achievements not only honor the traditions of the profession but also inspire the next generation of Montana lawyers.

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