What is the Montana County Attorneys Association?
The Montana County Attorneys Association (MCAA) is a non-profit organization comprised of county attorneys in the state of Montana. The purpose of the association is to provide education and training to its members and provide county attorneys the ability to collectively voice their concerns about public policy issues affecting their offices, public safety, services for those in the system, including victims, and the integrity of the justice system. In addition, MCAA provides continuing legal education programs, service, support and resources to the county attorneys and staff to enhance and improve the quality of all prosecution throughout Montana and facilitate access to best practices in prosecutions, law enforcement and public safety.
Who County Attorneys Represent and What They Do
County Attorneys are elected officials in most Montana counties; however there are some county attorneys who are appointed. They represent both their own county and the state of Montana within their county. County Attorneys are responsible for the prosecution of all felony crimes occurring in their county, and all misdemeanor crimes occurring outside the city limits of any city within their county. They are responsible for defending or prosecuting all civil claims for or against their county. County Attorneys also represent agencies of the State of Montana when required by law.
County Attorneys may be full or part time, usually depending on the population of the county. Full-time County Attorneys are prohibited from private practice, cannot represent private clients, and cannot give legal advice to private citizens. Part-time County Attorneys may have a part-time private practice, may represent private citizens on legal matters, and give private legal advice for compensation, so long as it does not conflict with their duties as County Attorney. The more populated counties have Deputy County Attorneys. Their number varies from county to county, dependent upon the needs of each county. These positions may be either full or part-time.
Staff, Officers, & Board of Directors
STAFF
2025-2026 OFFICERS
Lincoln County Attorney
406-293-2717
Blaine County Attorney
406-357-3220
Valley County Attorney
406-228-6261
Cascade County Attorney
406-454-6915
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Flathead County Attorney
406-758-5630
Missoula County Attorney
406-258-4737
Jefferson County Attorney
406-225-4010
Ravalli County Attorney
406-375-6750
Fergus County Attorney
406-535-8127
Lewis & Clark County Attorney
406-447-8221
Dawson County Attorney
406-377-2532
2025-2026
Committees
The Training Committee shall coordinate, give advice and assist the Montana Department of Justice Training Coordinator perform the functions outlined at § 44-4-103, MCA and, help create, establish and perform Membership training as the Board may request or direct.
- Kelsie Harwood, ChairBlaine County Attorney
- Meghann PaddockMT Dept. of Justice
- Steve HaddonJefferson County Attorney
- Matt JenningsMissoula County Attorney
- Scott TwitoYellowstone County Attorney
- James LapotkaLake County Attorney
- Angela AuchRavalli County Deputy Attorney
- Nicho HashLewis & Clark County Attorney
- Chance CarterMissoula County Deputy Attorney
The Legislative Committee shall keep abreast of legislative proposals, recommend legislative programs, and support valid legislation relating to and affecting members of the Association. Further, this committee shall actively encourage and enlist the participation of the members in all matters before the legislature while it is in session.
- Matt Jennings, ChairMissoula County Attorney
- Josh RackiCascade County Attorney
- Scott TwitoYellowstone County Attorney
- Steve HaddonJefferson County Attorney
- Kevin DownsLewis & CLark County Attorney
- Heather WebsterYellowstone County Deputy Attorney
The Convention Site Selection shall consider and recommend to the membership an appropriate site for the annual summer meeting.
The Nominations Committee shall consider and recommend to the membership appropriate candidates to serve as Directors and Officers of the Association as provided in Article VII
- Dylan Jensen, ChairValley County Attorney
- Marcia BorisLincoln County Attorney
- Bill FulbrightRavalli County Attorney
A National District Attorney Association (NDAA) committee shall be appointed by the President and may consist of one (1) member.
- Steve HaddonJefferson County Attorney
Special committees may be named by the President.
- Ad Hoc, ChairCounty Attorney
- Bill FulbrightRavalli County Attorney
- Josh RackiCascade County Attorney
MCAA Representatives 2025-2026
Boards & Commissions
Appointed by: The Attorney General
Two MCAA Representatives
Kent Sipe, Fergus County Attorney
Steve Haddon, Jefferson County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: The Governor
One MCAA Representative
Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Attorney
Term Expires: January 2, 2029
Appointed by: The Governor
One MCAA Representative
Kristine White, Rosebud County Attorney
Term Expires: January 1, 2027
Appointed by: The Attorney General
One County Attorney Representative
Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Attorney
Term Expires: No termination date identified
Appointed by: The Attorney General
One MCAA Representative
Burt Hurwitz, Meagher County Attorney
Appointed by: MCAA President
One MCAA Representative
Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney
Kevin Downs, Lewis & Clark County Attorney (Alternate)
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: MCAA President
One MCAA Representative
James Lapotka, Lake County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: MT Supreme Court
One MCAA Representative
Jeanne Torske, Big Horn County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite