University of Montana School of Law

Barrister eBrief - December 2014

Greg Munro and Sidney Thomas

Gavel Passed to Judge Thomas

On Friday December 5, 2014, University of Montana School of Law graduate Judge Sidney Thomas was honored with a ceremonial gavel passing to mark his elevation to new Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit. Interim Dean Greg Munro and Assistant Professor Anthony Johnstone attended the ceremony at the James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse in San Francisco, CA. Read the Ninth Circuit's summary of the event on their website.

Video of the ceremony is also available for viewing on the Ninth Circuit's YouTube page.

Scholarships Support UMSL Students

As 2014 draws to a close, we are mindful of the important role our alumni and friends play in the continued success of the School of Law. This school would not be the place it is without each of you. To those of you who have made a gift in 2014, we say a heartfelt thank you.

Supporting the School of Law has a direct impact on students and their education. In the short video below, six scholarship recipients explain how the assistance they have received helps shape their futures.
Scholarships Support UMSL Students
If you would like to discuss a tax-deductible, year-end gift, please contact John Mudd (’00), Director of Development and Alumni Relations at john.mudd@umontana.edu or (406) 243-4319. You may also use the link below to make a donation online.

University of Montana School of Law

A Holiday Greeting from Interim Dean Greg Munro

Many alumni will remember Interim Dean Greg Munro's tradition of reading poetry to his students. Happy holidays and best wishes for the coming year from everyone at the UM School of Law!
Negotiation Team Members

Negotiation Team Finishes First

UM Law's Negotiation Competition Team returned from Seattle University with a First Place finish in the American Bar Association sponsored Law School Regional Negotiation Competition November 7 and 8. Seattle University School of Law hosted this year's event. The region includes law schools from throughout the Northwest and western Canada, with additional entries this year from other Rocky Mountain states and the Midwest.

Greg Munro Speaking at Duke Crowley Memorial

Celebrating the Life of Duke Crowley

Interim Dean Greg Munro and others joined together on Saturday November 22, 2014 to celebrate the life of Professor Emeritus William F. "Duke" Crowley. Numerous stories and "Crowleyisms" were shared by colleagues and friends during the event. Speakers included Evan Barrett, Professor Cynthia Ford, the Honorable Edward P. McLean, the Honorable Gordon Bennett, and Robin Ammons, Esq. with musical performances provided by Mallory Ottariano.

Video of the memorial is available for viewing on the UM School of Law YouTube page.

UM Law Grads Involved with Kaarma Trial

The trial of Markus Kaarma, which received heavy attention both nationally and internationally, involved a number of graduates from the University of Montana.

The case was tried in front of Judge Ed McLean (BA ’69; JD ‘73). All three of the prosecutors in the case (Andrew Paul (JD ’00), Jennifer Clark (JD ’99), and Karla Painter (JD ’11)) graduated from the University of Montana School of Law.

The defense team all have connections to the University of Montana and the School of Law. Paul Ryan (BA ’88) and Nate Holloway (BA ’06) received their undergraduate degrees at UM. Katie Lacny (BA ’01; JD ’06) and Brian Smith (JD ’97) both received their JDs at the School of Law. In addition, Lisa Kaufman received a Master’s in Education from UM.

Video Spotlights

University of Montana School of Law

Why the University of Montana School of Law

Current University of Montana School of Law students briefly discuss why they enjoy being part of UMSL.
University of Montana School of Law

What I Wish I Knew Before Law School

A few University of Montana School of Law students share valuable insider tips for soon to be first year law students.

Faculty in the News

Elaine Gagliardi
Professor Gagliardi recently spoke at the Tulane Tax Institute in New Orleans, LA and was recognized as a distinguished faculty member. In addition, Professor Gagliardi wrote an article that was included in the September 2014 issue of the Lexis Federal Tax Journal Quarterly.

Anthony Johnstone
Professor Johnstone was recently quoted in stories produced by Montana Public Radio including "9th Circuit To Hear Montana's Appeal Over Gay Marriage" and "Discrimination Questions Remain Despite Gay Marriage Decision."

Andrew King-Ries
Associate Dean Andrew King-Ries was recently interviewed by Montana Public Radio on the "Castle Doctrine" in regards to the Kaarma Trial that began December 1, 2014. The full article, Kaarma Trial Brings Scrutiny to 'Castle Doctrine', is available on the MTPR website.

Stay Connected!

Stay connected with the UM School of Law through the various outlets below!

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