National Law Day is held on May 1st every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. In honor of National Law Day the Montana State Library brings us MT Lawyers in Libraries. During this live program local attorney Robin M. Turner will explore the basics of accessing legal justice in Montana and will examine the role of the 19th Amendment in our country, as we mark the 100th anniversary of its passage. In addition, Lillian Alvernaz, ACLU Indigenous Justice Legal Fellow, will explore the progression of voting rights in Indian Country and the ACLU of Montana’s recent voting rights case. A Q & A session will follow the presentation. This program will be held on Thursday, May 28, from 6-8 PM online and advanced registration is required. Please register at: https://tinyurl.com/mtlawyersinlibraries

Speaker Bios:
Robin M. Turner is an attorney at Ries Law Group, P.C., a law firm specializing in the representation of survivors of gender-based violence in civil legal matters (such as family law, orders of protection, victim rights, educational advocacy, employment law, and more). Prior to RLG, Robin worked for five years as the Public Policy and Legal Director for the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) statewide, LAV-funded sexual assault legal services project. Robin led MCADSV's progressive statewide policy work in the interest of ending gender-based violence and ending systemic oppression against vulnerable communities. Previously, Robin worked as a staff attorney on an LAV-funded project providing services to Native American survivors in CSKT Court. Robin is a member of the American Bar Association’s Steering Committee Re: Standards for the Supervision of LAV-Funded Legal Staff. Robin has provided stalking safety planning, advocate privilege, and confidentiality workshops (topics including minimization of technology surveillance, and confidentiality) to hundreds of advocates, attorneys, and court personnel during her career.

Lillian Alvernaz (Dakhóta & Nakoda) is the Indigenous Justice Legal Fellow for the ACLU of Montana. In this role, Ms. Alvernaz assists the ACLU with its Indigenous Justice Program and litigation. Ms. Alvernaz graduated with honors in 2013 from the University of Montana and received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Native American Studies. In 2018, Ms. Alvernaz obtained a Juris Doctor, Indian Law Certificate, and Master of Public Administration. Throughout her social work and legal careers, Ms. Alvernaz has focused on combatting violence against Native women, children, and families. Ms. Alvernaz hopes to help find and fill the gaps left by the marriage of law and policy in Indian Country. Ms. Alvernaz is barred in the state of Montana and is Chair of the Indian Law Section. Ms. Alvernaz enjoys lifting weights, is a Dakhóta language learner, and recently obtained her highest honor as auntie.

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