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Electronic Balloting

The State Bar of Montana uses an online election system. Eligible voters will receive an email with voting instructions in May. If you are an eligible voter and did not receive the instructions, you may email jdiveley@montanabar.org to request instructions to be sent again. 

Positions on 2024 ballot

The State Bar will elect a President-Elect; State Bar Delegate to the ABASecretary-Treasurer* (*special election to fill vacancy); and Trustees from the following bar areas:

-- One Trustee from Area A (Flathead and Lincoln counties);
-- Three Trustees from Area B (Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sanders counties); 
-- One Trustee from Area C (Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, Powell, and Silver Bow counties)
--Two Trustees from Area D (Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Toole counties)
--Two Trustees from Area G (Gallatin, Park, and Sweet Grass counties)
 

2024 Candidates

President-Elect (1 position)

Aislinn W. Brown, Helena

I am a Helena resident, current trustee for Area F, and chair of the State Bar Board of Trustees. As board chair, I have enjoyed taking a deeper dive into the workings of the State Bar of Montana and how we can better serve attorneys licensed to practice in our great state. This past year, the bar has stayed busy advocating for the interests of Montana attorneys and ensuring they have the support and resources they need to succeed in the practice of law. For example, we have prioritized AI education, getting quality presenters to ensure Montana attorneys are aware of ongoing relevant technological developments; worked on courthouse safety initiatives across the state; and problem-solved for rural access-to-justice issues, an ongoing need for a large part of Montana. I also drafted a conflict-of-interest policy for our board members to ensure our longstanding process of avoiding ethical conflicts was put to paper. As bar president, I would work to continue to implement creative solutions to access-to-justice issues and make public engagement a priority, to ensure we are not only meeting the needs of attorneys but also those of members of the public. If elected, I look forward to hearing from you on ways we can better serve both you and your communities. When I am not interacting with other lawyers, you will most likely find me on the slopes teaching my 3-year-old how to ski or in the mountains hiking with my hyperactive border collie/husky mix.

ABA State Bar Delegate (1 position)

Tucker P. Gannett, Billings


Secretary/Treasurer (1 position)

Erica R. Grinde, Missoula

I am running to fill the remainder of the two-year Secretary/Treasurer term on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Montana. I have had the opportunity to serve as an Area B Trustee on the Board of Trustees since September 2019. I look forward to continuing the work of the bar to support Montana lawyers, educate the community on the importance of the rule of law and the role lawyers play in these efforts, and to ensure all Montanans have access to legal services despite the vast landscape of our state.  I have practiced in Montana since 2008 when I passed the bar following graduation from the University of Montana School of Law. I began my career with Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven where I was provided a solid foundation through mentorship from some of the state’s best lawyers. I accepted a position with the Missoula County Attorney’s Office in 2013 handling involuntary commitments and guardianships. I was given the opportunity to move into a civil deputy county attorney role advising and representing county departments, elected officials, and the Board of County Commissioners. In 2017, I took on the role of county risk manager and have served in this capacity for the last four and a half years. Outside of my professional world, I enjoy spending time following my three children in all of their activities, running, hiking, skiing, and spending as much time on Flathead Lake during the summer months as possible.  

Area A Trustee (1 position)

Ryan G. Hennen, Whitefish

 

 

 

 

 

I am a Whitefish resident, candidate for trustee for Area A, and Assistant Public Defender for the Office of the State Public Defender. As trustee, I look forward to serving the attorneys in Flathead and Lincoln counties. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Margaret, and our son, Arlo. I also enjoy cooking, golfing, playing guitar, and reading. 

Area B Trustee (3 positions)

Beth Hayes, Missoula

I am seeking reelection as an Area B Trustee. I have worked as a staff attorney at Montana Legal Services Association for fourteen years. I see firsthand the challenge our fellow Montanans face in accessing our justice system. I take very seriously the State Bar of Montana’s purpose in aiding the courts to maintain and improve the administration of justice. I have been honored to serve as an Area B Trustee since 2020. I am proud to be a part of the State Bar of Montana’s efforts to serve its members. I have regularly
attended all Trustee meetings, the State Bar’s Annual Meeting, and the committee meetings that I am assigned to as a liaison. I welcome the opportunity to continue this service, and to uphold these purposes at a critical time when the entire rule
of law and integrity of attorneys is being challenged. I would be grateful to continue this service on behalf of Area B. Thank you.

Natasha P. Jones, Missoula

Third position open
 

Area C Trustee (1 position)

Kaylan A. Minor, Dillon

From the heart of Beaverhead County, Kaylan stands as a beacon of legal acumen, community dedication, and passion for justice.  Kaylan’s legal experience includes work in the areas of criminal defense in misdemeanor and felony matters, guardian ad litem, and representing counties in criminal and civil matters. Kaylan works for positive change in her community by serving as Chair and Board Member of the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County, member of the Montana State Bar Professionalism Committee, and committee member on the Montana Access to Justice Commission. Kaylan hopes to resume her work with the State Bar as the Area C Trustee to enhance the practice of law in Montana and connect attorneys with resources and knowledge provided by the bar.  Kaylan is interested in how the practice of law is evolving alongside the changes to the population and politics in Montana. 

Area D Trustee (2 positions)

Anthony Gallagher, Great Falls

As a dedicated legal professional, I am passionate about serving the legal community and advocating for the interests of our members. I am running for the State Bar of Montana Board of Trustees representing Area D because I believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of effective leadership. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the challenges faced by attorneys in our state – from rural practitioners to those in larger firms. I am committed to addressing these challenges by promoting access to justice, supporting professional development, and fostering a sense of community among our members. If elected, I will work tirelessly to enhance communication between the Board and our members, ensuring transparency and accountability. I will advocate for innovative solutions to improve legal education, mentorship programs, and resources for solo practitioners. Additionally, I will actively engage with diverse legal communities to promote inclusivity and equity within our profession, particularly in Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Toole counties. I am honored to be considered for this role and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the State Bar’s mission. Thank you for your consideration.

Claire Lettow, Great Falls
Claire Lettow was elected as Area D trustee in 2022 and is running for a second term. Claire has been a criminal defense attorney with the Office of the Public Defender since August 2016. She is currently a managing attorney at the Great Falls OPD office. Claire enjoys attending local CCBA meetings and networking with the local bar. Claire is committed to defending the independent regulation of the practice of law as a Trustee and plans to continue with outreach to local legislators to help emphasize the value and importance of an independent judiciary.    

Area G Trustee (2 positions)

Sherine D. Blackford, Bozeman

I was appointed as an Area G Trustee in September 2021 and was elected to the position in 2022. I am running for reelection because I remain committed to ensuring the successful operation and practice of law in the state of Montana. As a Trustee, I will continue to be active, diligent and thoughtful in carrying out my duties. This has become more important in recent years as our judiciary and self-regulating profession has been called into question in the political arena. I am currently in my 12th year of practice. I am a partner at Cotner Ryan Law, PLLC in our Bozeman, Montana office. I have experience serving on a variety of Boards in addition to the State Bar of Montana. I am serving or have served as a Trustee and past President of the Gallatin County Bar Association (2019- current), the Chair of the Family Law Section for the State Bar (2015-2017), a Trustee for the New Lawyers Section for the State Bar (2014-2018), and Vice President and Director for HAVEN, a local domestic violence shelter in Gallatin County (2014-2020). I am also the President of the Loving Loic Foundation, a non-profit started in honor of my 3-year-old son who has a rare (3 in 1,000,000) and terminal genetic condition, pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration (“PKAN”). Our mission and purpose are to fund a lifetime cure for PKAN through a gene therapy treatment. We have already secured $1.48 million of our $5 million goal after starting this project less than a year ago. My current and prior experience as a trustee and board member for several organizations is suitable for continued service as a Trustee.

Matthew A. Haus, Bozeman

I am a partner with the law firm of Tarlow Stonecipher Weamer & Kelly, PLLC. For a brief background, I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2012. After working as a corporate lawyer in Minnesota, I began my legal career in Bozeman in 2014. I currently have a civil practice with an emphasis on litigation. I have also had the pleasure of serving as a Trustee for Area G over the last two terms and as a Past-President of the Gallatin County Bar Association. It has been a tumultuous time for the legal system in Montana over the last several years. The State Bar of Montana has been forced to address the attacks on our judiciary and the legal system. The State Bar must continue its efforts to uphold the rule of law and support an independent judiciary in Montana. I also believe that it is important for the State Bar to support events that promote professionalism within the membership of the Bar. The entire legal system in Montana benefits from the members of the State Bar interacting in a respectful manner. The State Bar should also ensure that individuals seeking admission into the Bar continue to be qualified to provide competent representation for clients in Montana. I believe that clients who have good experiences with their attorneys are often the best resources to promote the positive attributes of the legal system in Montana. I am seeking to serve as a Trustee for another two-year term in order to continue the State Bar’s effort to support the legal system in Montana and to take steps to address the ongoing attacks on the rule of law.

Position Descriptions

Board of Trustee (2-year term)

The duties of each Trustee are:

1. To attend each Board meeting, unless excused by the President for good cause.
2. To attend the annual meeting.
3. To actively participate on all committees of which he or she is a member.
4. To regularly attend the meetings of local bar associations within the Trustee’s area and provide reports about State Bar activities to the local bar members.
5. To actively encourage and sponsor formation of local bar associations within the Trustee’s area and serve as a voting member on the local bar association’s governing board (where permitted)
6. To serve as a liaison on the committees or sections to which the Trustee has been appointed by the President. The Trustee will:
-- serve as a voting member of the committee or section and encourage the committee or section to attain the objectives assigned by the Board;
-- attend meetings of the committee or section; and
-- report on the committee or section activities at quarterly meetings of the Board.
6. To accomplish such other purposes as may from time to time be appropriate.

President-Elect (1-year term as President; serves on Executive Committee for 3 years)

The President-Elect is a member-at-large of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee; and performs all other duties assigned by the President or Board of Trustees.  Before assuming the office of president, the President-Elect must present to the Board of Trustees for its consideration a proposed plan of State Bar goals and objectives for the succeeding year. The Immediate Past President is a member of the Executive Committee.  Responsibilities include: (1) organizing the local bar leadership conference; (2) chairing the Past Presidents Committee; (3) serves as a liaison with out of state Bar members; (4) performs other duties as assigned by the State Bar President or Board of Trustees.

Secretary-Treasurer

The Secretary-Treasurer is a memberat-large of the Board of Trustees and a member of the Executive Committee. The Secretary-Treasurer must confer with the Executive Director and the administrative staff of the State Bar as to: 
(i) The keeping of proper minutes and records.
(ii) The general operation of the headquarters office.
(iii) The methods and procedures used in the receipt, collection and safe-keeping of all funds of the State Bar.
(iv) The procedures for disbursement and audit of such funds.

The Secretary-Treasurer must assist the Executive Committee in preparing the annual budget and in presenting it to the Board of
Trustees and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as to the association’s affairs, as required. 

State Bar Delegate to the ABA (2-year term)

Bar delegates are selected and certified by their bar associations as their representative in the House.  The term of a bar delegate is two years.

Voting and Eligibility

Voting members are active, active military service and judicial members except Supreme Court justices. Only voting members may hold office or vote in any election conducted by the State Bar. [By-laws of the State Bar of Montana, Article I, §3(c)]

A voting member is eligible to vote only in the area in which the member resides. A voting member may represent an area only if the member both resides in the area and either maintains a law practice or serves as a judicial officer in the area. [By-laws of the State Bar of Montana, Article III, §2(a)]

Election Calendar/Deadlines

April 8 – Filing deadline for original nomination petitions - download the form below

May 1 – Online voting begins

May 28 – Online voting period ends

June 7 – Votes tabulated

Nomination Petition Form 

DOWNLOAD NOMINATION PETITION