MTLA Listserv Use Policy 

The MTLA listserv is a member benefit for MTLA members. Use of the listserv is a privilege subject to adherence to the rules stated in this policy.

The listserv is to be used solely for posts that further the purposes of MTLA and its members, such as:

- informing members of MTLA seminars and services, alerting members to legislative issues;
- disseminating news and information of interest to MTLA members;
- inquiries regarding legal issues relating to MTLA issues;
- tracking down defense expert information and depositions; and
- getting suggestions for expert witnesses in your case.

The listserv MUST NOT be used for:

- defense purposes;
- advertising products or services not provided by MTLA;
- disseminating jokes;
- political purposes unrelated to MTLA; or
- discussing current events and issues unrelated to MTLA issues

WE WILL TAKE ACTION TO REMOVE PERSONS FROM THE LISTSERV WHO USE IT FOR DEFENSE PURPOSES - WHICH WE HAVE DONE. ADDITIONALLY, FIRM PARTNERS OR ASSOCIATES OF SUSPENDED DEFENSE COUNSEL MAY ALSO HAVE THEIR ACCESS TO THE LISTSERV SUSPENDED.

Listserv communications must be respectful and professional. Offensive, disparaging, racist, sexist or misogynistic comments will not be tolerated. The listserv manager has the sole discretion to determine whether a remark or comment is disrespectful, unprofessional, or otherwise offensive as described above. Use of unacceptable language may result in suspension of listserv privileges.

Identifying individual lawyers by name should be avoided. Making offensive or disparaging comments and remarks about identified lawyers will not be tolerated. Inquiries about other MTLA members’ experiences with an identified lawyer are acceptable. HOWEVER, any subsequent related communications SHOULD be made privately.

When replying to a message, members must deliberately decide whether to reply to the entire list or solely to the author of the message. Personal replies should be made directly to the author's individual email address - personal replies should not be made to the entire listserv. Remember - if you just click "reply" the message goes to the entire listserv. The Listserv Manager will interpret any reply to the entire list to have been intentional, regardless of whether the sender meant to send the reply privately.

ACCESS TO THE LISTSERV MAY BE SUSPENDED FOR MEMBERS WHO MISUSE OR ABUSE THE LISTSERV SERVICE.

CAUTION
Exercise common sense when posting or replying on the listserv. Do not send out confidential or disparaging information. While posts to the listserv are a confidential and proprietary service for MTLA members, REMEMBER that your postings could be forwarded to anyone - including the press, opposing counsel, or members of the judiciary. Some of MTLA's hundreds of members on the listserv also handle defense cases and may even be your opposing counsel – if that is a potential concern, you can check the Member Directory online to identify members and firms. You can request that MTLA staff post your query anonymously if opposing counsel, or a member of their firm, is an MTLA member.

If any member has concerns as to whether a posting to the listserv is inappropriate or contrary to the purposes of MTLA, please: respond directly to the individual; to the individual with a copy to Al Smith at monttla@mt.net; or, just contact Al Smith directly at monttla@mt.net or 406-443-3124.   In general, please do not respond to the entire list with such concerns.

For questions please contact the List Manager:

Al Smith
Executive Director,
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
monttla@mt.net

*******************************************

The following are some helpful instructions for using the Email List.

How The List Works:

1. You can now contact all MTLA members by sending one Email to: mtla_members_all@lyris.trialsmith.com
Just make an entry for the MTLA Listserv in your address book and use the above for the address.

2. Every MTLA member on the List sees your inquiry or message

3. Members can respond to you personally, or respond to the entire List. Remember, if you just hit reply, your reply message will go to all members of the Listserv, not just the writer of the original message.

Here are some other helpful tips to maximize your use of the list.

1. To Send an Email to Everyone:
.....send an email to mtla_members_all@lyris.trialsmith.com

2. To Modify Your User Options:
As a list member you can access list servers on-line at MTLA's website. The User Interface allows members to post messages, search the message archive and change user settings across multiple lists.

3. To Search All Previous Postings on the List: .....
As a list member you can search list servers on-line at MTLA's website.

4. Drop Your Name from the List by:
.....send an Email to: leave-mtla_members_all@lyris.trialsmith.com
.....Users are automatically dropped

Questions? Email Al Smith monttla@mt.net or Mary Taylor mtla@mt.net