Lucy France, UM General Counsel
University Hall, 113
406-243-6786
Lucy T. France received her B.A. from the University of California-Berkeley and her J.D. from the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ School of Law, with honors, where she served as co-editor of the Montana Public Land Law Review, and was a member of the Moot Court team receiving the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy at the National Moot Court Competition. After clerking for the Honorable James F. Battin of the United States District Court for the District of Montana, she was an associate and became a partner with the law firm Garlington, Lohn & Robinson. Lucy has 25 years of experience representing clients in litigation and transactional matters.
Lucy served as the Director of Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action at the University before becoming the University's General Counsel. She was the 2019 recipient of the J.B. Speer Award for Distinguished Administrative Service at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. She is admitted to practice before the Montana Supreme Court, United States District Court for the District of Montana, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Lucy is an active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), where she has served on the board of directors, and has chaired and served on may committees, including the Strategic Planning Committee and NACUANOTES.
Kate Duran, Associate Legal Counsel
University Hall, 133
406-243-4765
Kate E. Duran joined the Office of UM Legal Counsel in fall 2019. She received her B.S. in finance from Rutgers University and her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School. Prior to coming to UM, Kate worked as a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) for the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General for 7 years. As a DAG, she represented New Jersey’s state institutions of higher education in all sorts of litigation and administrative matters, from employment to contract disputes. Kate also was part of the Open Public Records Act team where she defended the state in numerous matters regarding alleged failures to disclose public records and follow open meeting laws. Prior to her work at the N.J. A.G., Kate practiced criminal defense, gaining the trial experience that was necessary for her work as a DAG.
Kate is admitted to practice before the Montana Supreme Court, Colorado Supreme Court, New Jersey Supreme Court, New York Supreme Court, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Kate currently enjoys spending free time with her partner and their 2 children exploring Montana.
Jessica Weltman, Director of Institutional Compliance and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator
University Hall, 315
406-243-3990
Jessica Weltman joined the office of Legal Counsel and Compliance in 2023. As Director of UM’s Institutional Compliance Program, she provides strategic direction and oversight for regulatory compliance efforts. As ADA Coordinator, Jessica leads a team working to ensure that all aspects of campus programming – learning, living, working, visiting, and engaging – are accessible. In these roles she draws upon over twenty years of legal experience, nearly half of which have been in higher education. In her last role, Jessica offered statewide leadership to Montana's 16 public colleges and universities as the MUS Compliance Officer in the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Previously, as the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and the Title IX Coordinator for the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, she worked to stop discrimination, reduce barriers, and increase equity. In both roles, Jessica provided extensive training, conducted civil rights investigations, engaged with state and federal agencies, and brought together stakeholders to build accessible policies and processes. Prior to pivoting to higher education, Jessica led the appellate practice for the Federal Defenders of Montana where she now serves on their Board of Directors. Jessica brings additional experience from private practice, clerking for the Honorable Jill Flaskamp Halbrooks, serving as a legal intern for a Senator on the United States Senate Judiciary committee, volunteering with Advocates for Human Rights in Nepal, and for local nonprofits in Missoula. Jessica received her J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and her BA from Carleton College.
Silas Teasdale, Public Records Manager and UMLC Assistant
University Hall, 313
406-243-4742
Silas Teasdale joined the UMLCC team in fall 2023. Managing public records, he coordinates between departments to supply university information to the public. In addition, he provides website/digital expertise, technology transition and project support to the UMLCC team.
Silas is from Missoula, with a degree in political science from Montana State. His career focus centers on public service, community health, conservation, and education, with recent work as an international English teacher, congressional campaign organizer, and MSEF ski coach. Outside of work, he's frequently paddleboarding, biking, or playing dungeons and dragons.