Christy Surr McCann
Bio
Ms. McCann is a fourth-generation attorney, born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. She attended Brown University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature, Phi Beta Kappa, and competed for the Women’s Varsity Swim Team, serving as its captain her junior and senior years. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Ms. McCann moved to Colorado where she spent ten years working as a journalist, teacher, raft guide, ski instructor, and bartender before deciding to attend law school at the University of Colorado School of Law. In 2005, Ms. McCann was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree, Order of the Coif. After graduation, Ms. McCann served for three years as a law clerk to then Chief U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, the Honorable Robert H. Whaley. Ms. McCann then moved to Missoula with her husband, daughter and dogs, and is now happy to end her 15-year search for a place to call a permanent home. Ms. McCann’s primary areas of practice are general civil litigation, medical malpractice and employment defense, and appellate work. Outside of her practice, Ms. McCann enjoys swimming, kayaking, and playing with her family.
Ms. McCann is located in the firm's Missoula office.
Representative Matters
- Obtained summary judgment in bad faith insurance litigation based on breach of the notification provision; the decision was affirmed by the Montana Supreme Court.
- Co-counsel in complex adversary proceeding in Bankruptcy Court; assisted in obtaining favorable settlement for client.
- Briefed and argued environmental appeal before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; matter sent to mediation by the panel.
- Co-counsel in multiple-plaintiff employment discrimination suit in federal court; obtained successful settlement terms for client.
- Co-counsel and lead brief-writer in multiple medical malpractice suits; obtained favorable rulings on numerous motions in limine.
Professional Experience
BROWNING, KALECZYC, BERRY & HOVEN, P.C.
Missoula, Montana
Associate, 2008-present
Practice Areas: General Civil Litigation, Environmental Law, Medical Malpractice Defense, Employment Law, Indian Law, Civil Rights Law, and Criminal Defense.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Spokane, Washington
Law Clerk for Judge Robert H. Whaley, Chief U.S. District Judge,
Eastern District of Washington, 2005-2008
Researched and wrote memoranda and draft orders in all phases of civil and criminal matters before the Court. Cases involved claims under the Voting Rights Act, Endangered Species Act, Administrative Procedures Act, Title VII, Constitutional claims, state law issues, and Indian law issues. Perform administrative duties including Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference presentations. Prepared bench memoranda and drafted orders for a Ninth Circuit panel.
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO SCHOOL OF LAW
Boulder, Colorado
Research Assistant to Charles Wilkinson, Moses Lasky Professor of Law, 2004-2005
Researched and drafted speeches, articles, and expert reports; edited and proofread Blood Struggle: The Rise of Modern Indian Nations.
HOGAN & HARTSON
Boulder, Colorado, Summer 2004
Summer Associate
Researched and drafted a memorandum on the intersection of the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. Conducted research and drafted contracts and reporting documents for the transactional practice.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE
Denver, Colorado
Legal Intern, Fall 2003
Researched easement issues on National Forest land and the law regarding child witnesses in criminal trials among other evidentiary issues.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Denver, Colorado
Judicial Intern to Judge John L. Kane
Senior U.S. District Judge, District of Colorado, Summer 2003
Researched and wrote memoranda and drafted orders on two summary judgment motions, observed court proceedings, cite checked court orders.
