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Montana Supreme Court admits seven new attorneys after State Bar motion
Summary
The Montana Supreme Court granted a motion from the State Bar of Montana to admit seven applicants to the state bar. The court administered the oath and speakers urged the new lawyers to uphold professional responsibilities.
The Montana Supreme Court on Oct. 12, 2025, admitted seven new members to the State Bar of Montana after a motion from the State Bar was granted during a brief court ceremony.
The admissions matter matters because new lawyers entering the bar expand the pool of licensed attorneys available to Montanans and because the applicants formally swore oaths to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Montana and the court’s professional conduct rules.
Chief Justice Corey Swanson and two other justices — Justice Jim Rice and Justice Beth Baker — were on the bench for the ceremony; Justice Jim Shea was seated in the courtroom as well. Stewart Seagrest, identified as past president of the State Bar of Montana, moved for admission of the applicants on behalf of the State Bar. Seagrest read the list of applicants and asked each to stand when called: Austin L. Dirglow; Madison Lenore; Haley Amelia Hitchcock; Robert John Hyatt III; Isabel R. Neibill; Julia E. Patterson; and Elliot M. Thompson.
Bowen Greenwood, clerk of court, administered the oath. Before the oath Greenwood instructed, “When you hear me say solemnly swear, if your conscience does not permit you to swear, please feel free to say affirmed.” The applicants repeated the oath to support both the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Montana and to “faithfully discharge the duties of an attorney and counselor of law.”
After Seagrest moved for admission, Chief Justice Swanson announced, “Your motion is granted,” and the court recorded the admissions. Seagrest delivered brief remarks welcoming the new attorneys, emphasizing professionalism, civic responsibility and encouraging pro bono service and participation in bar sections and community legal education.
The ceremony was procedural and included introductory remarks from the bench; there was no recorded opposing argument or contest to the admissions. The court adjourned after a brief opportunity for photographs and concluding remarks.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to admit seven applicants moved by Stewart Seagrest on behalf of the State Bar of Montana; outcome: motion granted (admissions approved). Names of admitted applicants: Austin L. Dirglow; Madison Lenore; Haley Amelia Hitchcock; Robert John Hyatt III; Isabel R. Neibill; Julia E. Patterson; Elliot M. Thompson.
