MTLA Past Presidents

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2025 MTLA AWARDS
The recipients of MTLA's annual awards for excellence were announced at MTLA's 2024 Annual Convention. 
(Link to video of Awards Coming Soon)

Trial Lawyer Of The Year Award 
Tim Bechtold & John Heenan

For Outstanding Trial Advocacy

Career Achievement Award 
HON. JUSTICE Patricia O'Brien Cottter

For her enduring contributions as a lawyer and Supreme Court justice to the citizens of Montana and the practice of law. For her service to the MTLA as board member, officer, and amicus committee chair. For her mentorship and leadership as a trial lawyer and justice..

Appellate Advocacy Award 
ROB FARRIS-OLSEN, DERF JOHNSON & DAVID (KIM) WILSON
For Outstanding Appellate Advocacy

Outstanding New Lawyer Award 
SYDNEY E. BEST

For her outstanding performance in representing injured Montanans and her dedication and service to fellow MTLA members as a seminar chair.

Al Smith Public Service Award 
FRIENDS OF THE THIRD BRANCH, BETSY BRANDBORG & ANNE SHERWOOD

For their efforts in the 2025 legislative session to defeat legislation that undermined the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Citizen of the Year Award 
Not awarded in 2025

Awards Criteria

Previous Award Recipients