Messner Reeves Partners Bruce Montoya and Douglas Wolanske to Participate in Colorado ABOTA’s 2026 Masters in Trial Program

DENVER, CO – Messner Reeves LLP is proud to announce that distinguished trial attorneys and partners Bruce A. Montoya and Douglas C. Wolanske will participate in the Colorado Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates’ (ABOTA) 2026 Masters in Trial program on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Golden, Colorado.

The Masters in Trial program brings together accomplished trial attorneys to demonstrate effective courtroom advocacy through a full-day mock jury trial. Designed to provide practicing attorneys with practical insights into trial preparation and presentation, the program features opening statements, witness examinations, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, and jury deliberations, followed by discussion of the verdict and trial strategies.

Both Montoya and Wolanske are longstanding members of ABOTA, an invitation-only national organization of experienced trial lawyers dedicated to preserving the constitutional right to trial by jury, promoting civility and professionalism in the legal profession, and protecting the independence of the judiciary.

Montoya, who has practiced law for more than 40 years, is among Colorado’s most respected trial attorneys. A member of ABOTA since 2006, he served as President of its Colorado Chapter in 2017 and has long been an advocate for the preservation of the civil jury trial system. He is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a member of the International Society of Barristers, two prestigious, invitation-only organizations recognizing excellence in trial advocacy. Montoya has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for nearly two decades and has received its Denver Lawyer of the Year honor for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants on four occasions.

Wolanske brings three decades of litigation experience and an exceptional record of more than 50 jury verdicts, primarily in complex medical malpractice and professional liability cases. Elected to ABOTA in 2011, he has earned widespread recognition for his trial advocacy, including being named a 2014 Lawyer of the Year by Law Week Colorado. He has also received longstanding recognition from Colorado Super Lawyers, 5280 Magazine, and The Best Lawyers in America. His extensive courtroom experience includes the successful defense of numerous high-exposure cases involving complex medical evidence and substantial damages claims.

Together, Montoya and Wolanske represent more than seven decades of combined legal experience and a shared commitment to excellence in trial advocacy. Their participation in Masters in Trial reflects Messner Reeves’ longstanding dedication to the jury trial system, the advancement of courtroom skills, and the mentorship and professional development of fellow attorneys.

The 2026 Masters in Trial program will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 30 and offers eight Colorado continuing legal education credits. Participants will have the opportunity to observe experienced trial lawyers demonstrate advocacy techniques in a realistic courtroom setting, including the presentation of a case before a live jury.

About Messner Reeves LLP

Messner Reeves LLP is a full-service business law firm with a national presence, representing individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and Fortune 500 companies in litigation, corporate law, healthcare, employment, and other complex legal matters. The firm’s litigation attorneys are recognized for their trial experience, strategic advocacy, and commitment to delivering effective, business-focused legal solutions.

For more information, visit www.messner.com.