Michaels Law, PLLC

Calli J. Michaels

Calli Michaels is the founder of Michaels Law, PLLC. With a background in ranching and rangeland management, Calli understands agricultural issues from the ground up. She grew up on sheep and cattle ranches in Sweet Grass County, Montana, and received her undergraduate degree in Range Science. Following college, she worked as a Natural Resource Specialist for a private consulting company, where she conducted rangeland vegetation surveys in six western states, documented grazing use and rangeland health on public lands, and provided litigation support to permittees. She has extensive knowledge of land use and grazing.

 

Calli’s interest in agricultural policy drew her to law. She attended the University of Montana School of Law and developed her interest by working as a summer intern for the Montana Department of Agriculture. After law school, Ms. Michaels clerked for the Honorable N. Randy Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where she gained an understanding of appellate practice and experience conducting in-depth legal research.

 

Calli has been practicing law in Dillon, Montana since 2016. In that time, she has guided numerous clients through water rights administration, real estate transactions, estate planning, and probate. In addition to her client services, she has served as a consultant and expert for attorneys who need specialized knowledge of federal grazing issues and water rights administration.

Bar Admissions

State of Montana
U.S. District Court, District of Montana
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

Education

University of Montana School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate, 2015 (Highest Honors)
  • Executive Editor, Montana Law Review
  • President, Rural Advocacy League
Principia College
  • Bachelor of Science, 2008 (Highest Honors)
  • Major: Range Science, Minor: Political Science

Professional Associations & Memberships

Fifth Judicial District Bar Association
Water Law Section, Montana Bar

Publications

C.J. Michaels, Three Alternatives for Managing Free-Roaming Horses and Burros: A Legal Reform, 58 Nat. Resources J. 365 (2018)