Our Team

Steve Darty

Steve Darty hung a shingle in 2012 intent on providing a different experience for Montanans looking to preserve both their assets and their family story. With a belief in flat fees and straight talk, he built a practice focused on the client, not the law firm. Those early principals evolved into the firm’s current mission statement: “To utilize every applicable law and opportunity to protect the assets, peace of mind, and the dignity of aging for Montanans”.

Steve writes an Estate Planning column for The Missoulian, is a frequent speaker on the topics of Estates and Elder Law, and is a member in good standing with many highfalutin organizations. However, his greatest pride and joy is his 14 year old son Gus. The two of whom can often be found chasing adventures in the great Montana outdoors. And despite the older of the 2 getting outwitted by much of Montana’s fish and game, the 2 never fail to score their endeavors as a success beyond reproach! A family man first, and lawyer second, Steve is proud to call Missoula home and always welcomes the opportunity to make a new friend.

B.S.     - University of Alabama
M.B.A. - University of Hawaii
J.D.     - University of Montana
LL.M    – Stetson University

Stefan Kolis

Stefan Kolis, Esq, got his start in the law through his AmeriCorps services, helping low income Montanans file civil cases on their own at the Self-Help Law Center in Great Falls and Kalispell. Discoveringpersonal value helping others, he went to work for Montana Legal Services Association for two years, until he decided he could do more to help those in need with a law degree. During his law school career at the University of Montana School of Law, he was a Volunteer Hearing Officer for Missoula Housing Authority, ex officio board member of the Montana Justice Foundation, on the Montana Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission’s Law School Partnership Committee, and organized law students to volunteer for Missoula’s End of Life Document Clinic. Stefan graduated in 2017, and received the 2017 Equal Justice Works Public Interest Law Award.

Born in Illinois, but growing up in Havre, MT, the mountains and open space always demanded his attention; he grew up fishing, hunting, camping, and generally living on the Hi-Line. When his family moved to Wisconsin, he knew he would always return to the West. Stefan went to college at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, was Captain of the Men’s Soccer Team his senior year, and graduated in 2010 with honors with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. After college, Stefan moved back to Montana, where he taught himself how to fly fish, telemark, mountain bike, and backpack. He now spends as much time as possible exploring Montana’s wild areas.

Stefan was hired at Montana Elder Law in the spring of 2017, and specializes in writing estate plans for Montanans. He writes plans for folks which allow middle class families to pass on their most cherished assets, while ensuring they get the care and assistance they will need. He views this work as protecting families from sliding into poverty. Stefan also drafts Special Needs Trusts, which allow disabled individuals to receive supplemental income while still receiving government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Finally, Stefan works on probate matters, assisting families administer their loved one’s estate in what is often the most difficult period of life.

Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson

Born in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson has been an attorney in Montana for over 20 years. She received her B.A. from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN (go Cobbers!), her law degree from the University of North Dakota (go Fighting Hawks!) and a Masters in Library Science with a specialty in law from the University of Washington (go Huskies!). Lisa spent many years living in Helena, working for the Montana Supreme Court and the Montana Legislature as a staff attorney. She has also had the opportunity to use her library background serving as the Legislative Librarian for Montana as well as the State Law Librarian of Montana.  Most recently, Lisa served as the Executive Director of the Montana Innocence Project, an organization working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted from prison.

Helping people is very important to Lisa and providing the best customer service possible is always her goal.She strongly feels everyone should have equal access to all facets of the legal process and is excited to assist people with their estate planning needs, helping to make the process as easy and pleasant as possible.

Lisa is married to a wildlife biologist and has twin girls with Norwegian names that attend Sentinel High School. She is very community focused, serving on a number of local boards and service organizations including Sentinel Kiwanis, CASA of Missoula, Sons of Norway, Friends of Missoula Public Library, and the Western Montana Humane Society.Lisa enjoys the outdoors, sports, concerts, and anything chocolate.

Makenzi Mansfield

Makenzi officially joined the Montana Elder Law team as an associate attorney in July of 2022, although prior to law school, Makenzi worked as the front desk secretary. She now practices in all areas of EstatePlanning and Elder Law with a concentration in probate and Estate Administration.

While completing two undergraduate business degrees at the University of Montana in Missoula, Makenzi served as a coach for the University of Montana Equestrian Team and earned a spot at the IHSA National Horse Show. Makenzi then attended law school at the University of Montana, where she was a Student Ambassador, member of the Montana Trial Association Student Chapter, and a member of the Criminal Law Group.

Makenzi’s clinic placement during law school was as a judicial intern in the United States District Court for the District of Montana for the Honorable United States Magistrate Kathleen L. DeSoto.After graduating in 2020, she dove into highly contested civil litigation – specifically insurance defense and personal injury law. Makenzi felt the pull of Elder Law and re-joined our team to help those navigating loss and difficult times.

Makenzi is a 5^th generation Montanan who grew up showing horses all over the United States and Canada. In her free time, Makenzi still enjoys training and competing with her two horses, floating the river, and adventuring with her husband on their ranch with their Border Collie.

Makenzi is admitted to practice in Montana state and federal courts.

B.S. Business Administration; Management & Marketing – University of Montana

J.D. – University of Montana

Tammie Lund Smith

Tammie Lund Smith graduated from the University of Great Falls with a degree in Paralegal Studies in 1986. Since that date she has been practicing primarily in Elder Law, Probates, Trusts, Social Security Disability, Real Estate, Estate Planning, VA Pension, Indian Law and some Family Law. Prior to this area of law, she handled bankruptcy cases, various litigation cases, and handled criminal investigations. What she realized early in her career is she loved working with people directly and she wanted to make sure someone would be there for them as a listening ear during some of their more difficult times in their lives, that is why her focus was probates and trusts.  Tammie was the President of the Paralegal Section of the Montana State Bar Association for many years until she decided to step down to Vice President for several years.  Tammie sat on the Access to Justice Committee when it was initially formed.  Tammie testified in front of the Legislature regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Law in relation to a specific case; Tammie was instrumental in drafting a bill and getting it passed into law.

Tammie and Dwayne married in 2013 and together have 7 children (5 spouses), 3 grandchildren and more on the way.  Tammie's parents moved in to live with her in April 2017 to get the medical caretaking they needed. She remains the Caretaker for her mom. Tammie enjoys getting to know her clients.  When Tammie isn’t working, she is with her family boating and camping.

Suzanne Voss

Suzanne Voss graduated with high honors from Missoula College with a degree in Paralegal Studies in 2012. Suzanne grew up “in the saddle” on the Little Big Horn River at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains on a ranch surrounded by family. Her first experience with Wills and Probates was when her father died suddenly leaving a large ranch and her mother, her siblings and herself behind. He had gotten his estate put together beforehand, thankfully. Soon after, her paternal grandmother passed away. The complexities of family dynamics and figuring out how to divide heirlooms and a large estate “in equal shares” between surviving heirs and descendants set the stage for Suzanne’s desire to figure out how to help others who are facing the same difficulties. She is a widow and understands the difficulties and complex issues people face in carrying out their loved one’s last wishes.

Suzanne has been practicing in Estates, Elder Law, and Indian Law and is excited to now add Probate. She is dedicated to the elevation of her fellow human beings and finds that working in the field of law is an excellent vehicle.

In her time off, Suzanne loves to create and she enjoys drawing landscapes or abstracts using pastels or making collages with different mediums and papers. She also plays the piano for a bit of fun and relaxation and enjoys getting out into nature in the Blackfoot River Valley. She has two wonderful children who live nearby – in Montana terms!

Joyce Statton

Joyce Statton worked for Montana state government for 30 years; retired from Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. After retirement, Joyce began working with elderly patrons in need of assistance and, most recently, with Medicaid applications and court appointed conservatorships. Joyce’s multi-situational and intensive work experiences, plus her compassionate nature, make her a valuable and knowledgeable resource. She is married, has grown children, and many beloved grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes are jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch, and spending hours outside in her yard and garden.

Kate Strauss

Kate began her career as an electronics technician in the Navy. She completed her Associate of Arts with the University of Maryland while on active duty. Separating from service in 2003, she moved back to Virginia, where she completed her Registered Nursing degree. Not quite yet satisfied, she returned to school while working full-time and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Old Dominion University.

Kate’s passion for community advocacy is an ongoing thread throughout her career. While on active duty, she volunteered thousands of hours as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, as well as an Equal Opportunity Representative. She later became certified as a Pediatric Forensic Nurse Examiner, responsible for physical evidence recovery, physical and emotional assessment, and patient/family education. Kate has a particular love for older adults and has worked as a hospice volunteer, as well as a volunteer driver for the senior homebound. She joined Montana Elder Law in the fall of 2018, a role which has facilitated her dedication to empowering and maintaining the independence of our valuable older adult community members.

Most importantly, Kate is grateful for her husband of twelve years and their son, Nathan, who is currently in graduate school pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After seizing the opportunity in 2017 for a hiatus and traveling the country for 18 months in their vintage 1970 Avion travel trailer, Kate and her husband fell in love with The Last Best Place and are so thankful to call Missoula their new hometown.

Gen MacDonald

Gen grew up in Detroit, MI but always knew she wanted to live in the mountains. After moving around for a bit after high school, she discovered Missoula while on a cross country road trip visiting national parks. She immediately knew this was the place for her and decided to go to the University of Montana where she studied political science and nonprofit administration.

Gen enjoys working in the legal field because it can combine her love of writing with her desire to help people. She enjoys connecting with people and helping them in whatever way she can.

When not at work, Gen likes to take full advantage of everything Montana has to offer. Whether it be hiking, biking, or rafting, she likes to get outside as much as possible and enjoy life to its fullest.

Pearl Minhinnick

Pearl is our newest member of the Montana Elder Law family. While she’s come to us with a very different background, the skills she brings seem to be the perfect addition. Pearl received her education in early childhood development, later obtaining other teaching certificates. Working in a small Montessori school in Washington state, she honed her skills in kindness, patience, and maintaining a positive working environment. After surviving the covid school years and yearning for a change, she packed her daughter and herself up and headed to Montana. Deciding that would be there forever home with its beautiful mountains and breathtaking views that she would be leaving in the Pacific North West, the horizon seemed bright.

Pearl enjoys good conversations with just about anyone, lifting heavy objects (current hobby is powerlifting), spending time with her kids, and LEARNING!