Montana ABOTA Masters in Trial

About this event

CLE Opportunity: Montana ABOTA Masters in Trial

November 13 | 8 AM - 4:30 PM | University of Montana - Missoula | 6.5 CLE Credits

Click to register

From: John Morrison, President of Montana’s ABOTA Chapter

I am excited to announce that the Montana Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is holding the Masters in Trial demonstration this fall for the first time in several years. This is a rare opportunity to watch top-notch, experienced jury lawyers--from Montana and other states--in action, and to observe live jury deliberation via video feed.

ABOTA is dedicated to preserving the Right to Jury Trial and Judicial Independence, which go hand in hand as bulwarks of our democracy. The MIT event is a demonstration of parts of the American civil jury trial that has drawn popular attendance and rave reviews across the country for many years.

The MIT program will be held at the University of Montana (University Ballroom) on Friday, November 13, 2026, 8:00am-4:30pm. The event has been approved for 6.5 CLE credits.

Register here: https://abotamt.org/montana- masters-in-trial

This year's mock trial case involves a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by a surviving widow against her husband’s primary care physician, alleging negligent care and treatment in several respects. Her husband, 51 years old, died from a heart attack after several visits to the physician. The doctor denies these claims, contending the treatments provided were within the medically recognized standard of care.

The program is a full-day trial presentation with opening statements through closing arguments and includes the direct and cross-examination of the Plaintiff, Defendant doctor, and their expert witnesses. Twelve persons will sit as jurors for the trial. The deliberations will be live-streamed to the audience.

All trial team attorneys are ABOTA members and are accomplished jury trial advocates.

This year’s roster includes:

Hon. Kathleen DeSoto: Judge

Cliff Edwards: Plaintiff Opening

Sean Goicoechea: Defense Opening

Roland Durocher: Plaintiff Direct

Deb Tropp (ABOTA Foundation President): Plaintiff CX

Jon Moyers: Plaintiff Expert Direct

Jennifer Doan (ABOTA Past President): Plaintiff Expert CX

Mitzi Mayfield (TX attorney): Defendant Doctor Direct

Justin Stalpes: Defendant Doctor CX

Matt Hayhurst: Defense Expert Direct

Mark Kovacich: CX Defense Expert

Cal Stacey: Plaintiff Closing

Tasha Jones: Defense Closing

We hope to see you there!

Best regards,

JOHN MORRISON

Montana Chapter President