Mont. Med. Legal Panel R. 5

(a) Counsel Permitted but Not Required. The parties may be represented by counsel in

proceedings before the Panel; however, the MMLP shall not require a party to obtain legal

counsel unless representation by legal counsel is otherwise required by Montana law.

(b) Counsel Must Enter Appearance. If a Claimant or health care provider has retained or

otherwise obtained counsel for prosecution or defense of a claim, prior to or following the

filing of a claim with the Panel, that counsel shall file an informal appearance with the office

of the Director. Counsel shall enter his or her appearance by letter if representing a Claimant

or health care provider who has previously filed an Application, a responsive Motion to the

Application or Answer, on behalf of himself or herself, or upon the filing of the required

Application, a responsive Motion to the Application, or an Answer on behalf of a party.

(c) Effect of Counsel Appearing. After counsel enters an appearance on behalf of a party,

all communications required by these Rules to be transmitted to that party shall be directed

to the counsel who has entered an appearance for that party, with a copy to the Director,

except that the Notice of Hearing required by Rule 13 shall be provided to all parties

involved and their counsel, if any.

(d) Adherence to These Rules. All parties shall adhere to these Montana Medical Legal

Panel Rules of Procedure (“Rules”).