Host of Young Lawyer Rising
Montana Funk is a criminal defense attorney in Billings, Montana. Montana grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she went to the University of Manitoba where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. Montana went on to attend the University of North Dakota where she served on both the schools Moot Court and Trial teams. Montana received her JD in 2019. Prior to practicing criminal law, Montana practiced civil defense, specifically tort litigation. Additionally, Montana authored an articled titled “Education as a Means for Access-Providing the Right Tools for Self-Advocacy” for the ABA Young Lawyers Division.
For fun, Montana enjoys baking, board games, hanging out with her friends and pup, and watching football.
Learn how to exceed expectations and thrive as a new lawyer from a panel of seasoned attorneys who are open and honest about what it takes to make partner, navigate your career,...
Data is all around us, and a lot of people want it. Lawyers who understand data protection are finding new opportunities in privacy and data security.
Guest Kimberly “Kim” Maney shares her tips for how lawyers can achieve success in their careers while raising kids and enjoying family time.
Nancy Maurice grew up in France and traveled to the United States, where she earned a U.S. LL.M. and landed a position as an associate with a New York-area law firm. Learn...
Guest Mary Smith explores her courageous career path from law school to becoming the first Native American woman president of the American Bar Association.
A leadership role in State oversight can be a rewarding opportunity to make a difference. Guest Lucy Lang is the New York state Inspector General.
The field of environmental law is evolving so fast that newer lawyers often find themselves on level footing with even the most experienced attorneys.
Guest Evita Nwosu-Sylvester overcame her own disability, graduated from a top law school, and launched a career helping others.
Guest Michael Kippins is a successful civil rights attorney who works with communities of color and immigrants to fight discrimination and foster equity through legal advocacy.
To start the new year, host Montana Funk and ABA Young Lawyers Division Chair Tamara Nash read listener reflections on 2023.
If you’ve never considered a career in tax law, guest Anthony DeRiso says maybe you should. Learn about the “solving puzzles” aspect of tax law.
If you want a lot of experience straight out of law school, listen to this episode. Our guest, Professor Tony Ghiotto, talks about life in the Air Force legal corps (and trying...
In the emerging field of cannabis law, there’s a lot of gray. Lawyers today are shaping this emerging field, not citing decades-old cases.
In a timely episode, guest Stephanie Baez shares her entry into and experience of the broad field of immigration law.
Guest Alexandra Graves was dealt a tough hand in law school: She developed a brain tumor. Then she got off the floor, dusted herself off, and launched a successful legal career.
Anyone getting started, or even thinking about, trying criminal trials will want to hear this episode. Tips from one of the most experienced trial attorneys.
Mental health, wellness, and managing burnout made headlines during and after the pandemic. But what did we learn? Guest Richard Rivera, a highly successful partner at a Florida law firm, knows we...
From the depths of addiction to helping attorneys overcome their own, lawyer and author Brian Cuban joins the show to share his personal journey, as well as shed light on the often...
Insights and Strategies for Achieving Financial Independence and Building Wealth as a Legal Professional
For young lawyers looking to start and build their career, there are several key factors to consider. From finding an area of law that interests you, to seeking out opportunities to gain...
In this special episode of Young Lawyer Rising, host Montana Funk is joined by law firm owner and adjunct professor, Karen Lapekas, to discuss the ins and outs of pro bono work....
You want to help people, and you want to use the law to do it. More and more, public interest law has become a popular career path for young lawyers. But how...
The demanding hours and stressful work environments of the legal industry can often have detrimental effects on lawyers and legal professionals. Mental health issues among lawyers are notoriously prevalent, as are suicide, substance...
Tips to jump start your legal career, Ways to stand out in the workplace, and How to balance expectations after coming out of law school and entering the legal profession
Women in the criminal justice system continue to face a number of different challenges and career barriers; especially as it relates to hiring, retention, and promotion. So, why are women lawyers underrepresented in...
Are you a fresh grad about to start working as a lawyer, or a relatively junior lawyer still figuring things out? The road to becoming a lawyer certainly isn’t an easy one; and the...
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