Skills

Expert legal analysis and writing ability

Over 12 years' litigation experience. Extensive experience in appeals to Montana Supreme Court and Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Recent experience in Texas State and Federal courts, as well as the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Superb organizational skills

As Senior Counsel for South Central Texas general counsel firm, was responsible for all docketing and litigation file management in addition to managing litigation department. As Managing Partner for Western Montana plaintiffs firm, was responsible for gathering facts; formulating legal theories; drafting legal memoranda for use by trial courts; making, supporting and arguing motions; and preparing cases for all phases of trial and appeal. Extensive experience in case selection, client control, and workforce management. Managed caseloads averaging 50 or more active files. Hired and mentored associate attorneys; hired and supervised paralegals, legal interns and office staff.

Extensive background in client problem solving

General practice included State and Federal criminal defense; family law; business organizations, litigation and dispute resolution; real estate transactions and litigation; Indian law; and estate planning.

Wide range of tech, database and research skills

Computerized John H. Gilliam Law Office in 2008. Working knowledge of Word, Abacus Law, Abacus Accounting, Westlaw, Lexis and many other legal applications. Working knowledge of Windows and Macintosh operating systems and applications. Extensive general programming and end-user computer experience.

Hands-on music industry experience

Performing singer/songwriter since 2001; Officer of performing arts nonprofit; ASCAP writer since 2001.

CV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies.

Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.

Areas of Practice

• 65% Estates, Trusts and Probate
• 15% ERISA Litigation - Plaintiff
• 10% Employment Law
• 5% Corporate and Business Organizations
• 5% Criminal

Litigation Percentage

• 15% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

• Montana, 1991
• Texas, 2005
• U.S. District Court District of Montana, 1991
• U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 2006
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 2008

Education

• University of Montana School of Law, Missoula, Montana, 1991
  J.D.
  
  
• University of Montana School of Law, Missoula, Montana, 1993
  Advanced Trial Advocacy
  
  
• Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana, 1980
  B.A.
  Major: Music
  
  
• Computer Programming Helena Vo-Tec Helena, Montana, 1983
  
  

Classes/Seminars Taught

• Instructor, Torts, American Institute for Paralegal Studies, 1994

Professional Associations and Memberships

• State Bar of Texas
  
  
• State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section
  
  
• Austin Songwriters Group, 2003 - 2007
  Board member
  
  
• Cheatham Street Music Foundation, 2005
  Officer
  
  

Past Employment Positions

• Moster & Wynne, P.C., Austin, Texas, Senior Counsel, 2005 - 2007
• Skjelset, Gilliam & Geer, P.L.L.P, Missoula, Montana, Managing Partner, 2000 - 2001
• Skjelset & Gilliam, P.L.L.P., Missoula, Montana, Managing Partner, 1997 - 2000
• Skjelset Law Office,Missoula, Montana, Associate Attorney, 1995 - 1997
• Howard Toole Law Offices, Missoula, Montana, Associate Attorney, 1993 - 1994
• Dorsey & Whitney, P.C, Great Falls, Montana, Staff Attorney, 1991 - 1992
• Connell, Beers & Alterowitz, Missoula, Montana, Legal Intern, 1989 - 1991

Languages

• English

Birth Information

• March 14, 1958, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America