Winning a $27 Million Verdict After YEARS of Fighting, with Tim Bechtold [Ep 151]

Tim Bechtold spent years fighting a a civil rights case involving a prisoner from the Montana State Prison System.

In today's conversation, we look at the intricacies of the case, detailing the client's wrongful conviction, subsequent assault in a private prison, and the challenges faced due to procedural delays and missed deadlines.

However, the perseverance of Tim and his team ultimately culminated in a favorable verdict and a reward of just over $27 million.

Tim explains the importance of a focus group in shaping their trial strategy and reflects on the quick-paced nature of their trial, as well as the broader implications of justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Tim Bechtold is a Montana-based trial lawyer known for his work in civil rights and environmental law.

In this episode, you will learn about:
How the case of Nate Lake highlights systemic issues in the justice system.
How the verdict of over $27.8 million underscores the importance of accountability.
Why justice for marginalized communities often requires persistence and dedication.
The role of storytelling in trials that is crucial for juror engagement.

Supporting Resources:

Guest Tim Bechtold of Bechtold Law Firm, Montana.

Contact Tim directly at [email protected]

$27.75 million dollar verdict (KRTV news)
https://www.krtv.com/news/crime-and-c...

Northern Cheyenne v. BIA verdict (Daily Montanan)
https://dailymontanan.com/2025/02/26/...

Tim’s Environmental Work: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1...
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1...

2025 Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award - AAJ:
https://www.justice.org/membership/aw...

2025 Montana Trial Lawyer of the Year Award: 
https://www.monttla.com/?pg=historical

Chapters:
02:58 Background of Tim Bechtold and His Legal Journey
08:33 The Case of Nate Lake: Overview and Challenges
11:05 Focus Group Insights and Trial Preparation
15:50 Trial Process and Verdict
20:42 Reflections on Justice and Community Impact
25:43 Recent Victories and Legal Changes

Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:
https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick

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Hi! I'm Elizabeth Larrick, trial lawyer turned consultant. I help plaintiff lawyers gather the information they actually need to decide the age-old question: "File, Settle or go to trial?"

My mission is to help lawyers reposition their case strategically, effectively, and economically – long before trial dates.

I accomplish my mission by using focus groups to provide feedback and answers to the difficult case challenges. With answers, you can feel confident, clarity and certainty about resolving your case, whether that’s by settlement or trial.

Together, we’ll employ my proprietary, rare, and exceptional practices that will set you apart from your competition. Collaborating with an outside perspective can assist with locating case weaknesses and blind spots that you naturally miss when you are close to the file.

Want to learn more about Elizabeth?
Website: https://larricklawfirm.com/
Podcast: Trial Lawyer Prep https://www.elizabethlarrick.com/podcast
LinkedIn:   / elizabeth-larrick-942447101  
Email: [email protected]

I offer a free consultation call to see if working together is a fit.
https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick/