Montana Lawyer December 2024/January 2025

COURT NEWS

Recent Montana Supreme Court Orders

Pro Hac Vice Rule Update The Montana Supreme Court has revised Rule VI of the Rules for Admission to the Bar, streamlining pro hac vice admission for attorneys. Key changes include exemptions from associating with local counsel and ap plication fees for attorneys representing Indian tribes, parents, or custodians in child custody cases under federal and state Indian Child Welfare Acts (ICWA), and for federal government attorneys appearing before the Montana Water Court or in related appeals. Additional modifications ensure consistency across related sections of the Rules. For more information, visit the State Bar’s website at https://www.montanabar.org/News/ View/ArticleId/12067/AF-11-0244-RULES-FOR ADMISSION-TO-THE-BAR-OF-MONTANA-ORDER. Judicial Standards Commission Rule Update The Montana Supreme Court has adopted revised Procedural Rules for the Judicial Standards Commission. Key changes include streamlined definitions, confiden tiality provisions, and the introduction of formalized procedures for grievances, investigations, and disciplin ary actions. For more information, please visit the State Bar’s website at https://www.montanabar.org/News/View/ ArticleId/12068/AF-14-0356-IN-RE-JUDICIAL STANDARDS-COMMISSION-RULES-ORDER.

Appointments to the Commission on Rules of Evidence The Montana Supreme Court has announced ap pointments to the Commission on Rules of Evidence. Honorable Judge Elizabeth Best will continue as Chair, joined by members with expertise in civil, criminal, and adjunct legal practices. Notable appointments include Justin Starin, David McLean, Hallie Bishop, Colin Stephens, and Ann Moderie for four-year terms ending December 31, 2028. To stagger terms, Caitlin Boland Aarab, Julie Lichte, Brett Irigoin, Claire Lettow, and a law professor from the University of Montana will serve initial two-year terms ending December 31, 2026, with eligibility for reappointment. For more information, visit the State Bar’s website at https://www.montana bar.org/News/View/ArticleId/12079/ Appointments-to-the-Commission-on-Rules-of-Evidence Appointment to the Sentence Review Division The Montana Supreme Court has appointed District Court Judge-elect Jeffrey W. Dahood of the Third Judicial District as the Alternate Member of the Sentence Review Division. This appointment, effective January 1, 2025, fol lows the expiration of retired Judge John Warner’s term, whom the Court thanked for his service. Judge Dahood will serve a three-year term, expiring December 31, 2027.

For more information, visit the State Bar’s website at https://www.montana bar.org/News/View/ArticleId/12080/ Appointment-to-the-Sentence-Review-Division

James Reavis is available for attorney referrals for appeals to the Montana Supreme Court to handle your client’s criminal or civil case. Reavis has resolved over 130 appeals. He is a respected and well-known advocate before the Court. Reavis is available to attorneys for consultation, brief writing assistance, or taking a lead role in your client’s appellate strategy. Attorneys are invited to call 406-433-5511 or email james@nkbattorneys.com . APPELLATE ADVOCACY

301 N. 27TH STREET, #100, BILLINGS, MT 59101 • 406-433-5511

DECEMBER-JANUARY 2025

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