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.

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

Kai Puhrmann

Kai was formerly a partner at a Missoula area law firm specializing in personal injury, civil litigation, and family law, and was in charge of transactional law and estate planning for the firm.  He then started his own practice, specializing in transactional work and estate planning.  Desiring to once again be part of a larger team, he was excited for the opportunity to join Montana Elder Law.

Kai has a BT from Montana State University-Northern, and a JD from the University of Montana School of Law. During law school, Kai interned for a criminal defense law firm, focusing on criminal appeals and habeas corpus cases. Additionally, Kai dedicated two years to a clinical internship with the Montana Innocence Project, starting as a case review intern, and rising to the position of chief legal clerk. Ultimately, he was awarded the Freedom Fighter Award for "Unshakable enthusiasm and boundless dedication to freeing the innocent and preventing wrongful convictions." Kai also was a member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, the American Constitution Society, the Federalist Society, the Montana Cyberbullying Initiative, and Vice President and Editor for the University of Montana School of Law Intellectual Property Group.

Prior to entering the legal realm, Kai was in the construction industry, working in both residential and commercial construction, eventually owning and operating his own general contracting business; later he founded a large commercial steel framing and drywall company which completed projects all over the state of Montana.

Kai also served the public as an EMT/firefighter for many years with the DNRC, US Forest Service, and a rural fire district. Starting as a basic firefighter, he rose through the ranks to become a Single Resource Boss and later a Strike Team Leader on an initial attack crew during some of the most challenging fire seasons recent history, serving in Montana, Idaho, and Colorado.

In his free time, Kai enjoys snowmobiling, boating, fishing, and traveling all over Montana to explore old ghost towns and natural hot springs.

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.

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.

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!

Dianna (Dee) Sternberg

Dianna (Dee) Sternberg has a background in law enforcement
communications/crisis intervention and spent 20 years working for the state of
Montana: Legislative Services Division for 6.5 years as a library technician and
14 years with Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal
Investigation, SVOR Unit and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. In her younger
years, Dee also had the rare opportunity to live on two different lighthouses:
Battery Point off the coast of Crescent City, CA, and Cape Scott on the
northern tip of Vancouver Island in B.C., Canada. Dee was a hospice volunteer
along with her husband for 22 years, offering music therapy for the dying and
learned one of the most important values to have in life and to share with
others is compassion.

Silke

Silke is a German by birth and a Missoulian by choice. After having grown up in Germany, she has lived and worked on 3 different continents and traveled to almost 50 different countries. But there is no place like Missoula, and it was an easy decision to raise her daughters here.

Her degrees are in pharmaceutical studies and political science, and she has worked in both fields as well as several other professions. Prior to being hired in 2023 at MT Elder Law as a Case Manager, Silke successfully ran for 15 years a personal assistance service. This previous professional experience and passion for helping clients make her uniquely qualified working as a Case Manager.

Silke still travels and explores the world but also enjoys adventures closer to home. She likes to hike, camp, backpack, bird, ski, snowshoe, kayak, and bike. She volunteers her time at different Montana based nature conservancy groups and supports  many other causes close to her heart.

Taylor Cooney

Taylor was born and raised in Missoula, Montana and is a 5^th generation Montanan. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2024 with a degree in psychology and minors in sociology and business. Feeling drawn to the business aspect of her education, Taylor decided to pursue administrative experience and found a good fit with Montana Elder Law.

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys staying active by hiking, going to the gym, and especially skiing in the wintertime. She also loves reading and always has a book on hand.