by Katy Spence
Kim Wilson speaks at the MTLA award ceremony. Photo via Rob Farris-Olsen.
In early August, MEIC Deputy Director Derf Johnson was awarded the Montana Trial Lawyers Association’s (MTLA) Appellate Advocacy Award alongside MEIC board member Rob Farris-Olsen and former board member Kim Wilson for Outstanding Appellate Advocacy. This award recognizes their work on MEIC v. Office of the Governor for the State of Montana, a case dealing with the “Bad Actor” mining law and an information request that set an important precedent on Montanans’ Constitutional right to know and the ability to get attorneys fees for successful challenges under this right (see article on pg. 3).
MTLA is a member organization for attorneys who work for justice for those who have been injured, accused, or whose rights are jeopardized. This award specifically recognizes attorneys who have exhibited “outstanding appellate advocacy that advances and protects the rights of Montanans in the civil justice system.”
Rob has previously received this award, as has MEIC board member Roger Sullivan and former board member Terry Trieweiler.
This article was published in the September 2025 issue of Down To Earth.
