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Montana Funk

Montana Funk

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.

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Recent Episodes
March 21, 2024

This Lawyer Embraces Her Disability. Now She Fights For Others.

Guest Evita Nwosu-Sylvester overcame her own disability, graduated from a top law school, and launched a career helping others.

February 22, 2024

Making a Difference Through a Career in Civil Rights Law

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.

January 25, 2024

2023’s Lessons Learned: Your Inspiring Stories

To start the new year, host Montana Funk and ABA Young Lawyers Division Chair Tamara Nash read listener reflections on 2023.

December 21, 2023

Insights from a Transactional Tax Attorney on a Career In Tax Law

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.

November 27, 2023

Going from Law School to the Air Force JAG Corps

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...

October 20, 2023

Latina Lawyer Charts Her Own Path: A Conversation about Cannabis Law and Self Advocacy

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.

September 21, 2023

Immigration Law: From Corporate Visas to Pro Bono

In a timely episode, guest Stephanie Baez shares her entry into and experience of the broad field of immigration law.

August 24, 2023

When Life Gets In The Way, Press On. Fail The Bar? Regroup.

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.

July 20, 2023

Tips From The Master For Criminal Trial Attorneys

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.

June 22, 2023

Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health And Wellness Matters

 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...

May 25, 2023

Overcoming Addiction: Insights and Advice for Attorneys with Brian Cuban

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...

April 20, 2023

Mastering Your Money: Financial Planning for Lawyers

Insights and Strategies for Achieving Financial Independence and Building Wealth as a Legal Professional

March 23, 2023

Building a Career you Love as a Young Lawyer

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...

February 16, 2023

Pro Bono: When to take a case, How to Get Involved, and Common Misconceptions

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....

January 19, 2023

Seeking a Career in Public Interest and How to Stand Out

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...

December 22, 2022

Why Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness Matters

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...

November 25, 2022

Some Advice to the New, or Soon to be Lawyer

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

October 20, 2022

Breaking Barriers: Women in Criminal Law

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...

September 22, 2022

Top Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal Career

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...