HELENA — A Bozeman attorney faces disciplinary charges for allegedly engaging in attorney misconduct in a number of "baseless" environmental lawsuits that have cost local taxpayers millions of dollars.
John Meyer with Cottonwood Environmental Law is accused of "continued needlessly and repeatedly pursuing the same rejected and disproven claim against the defendants", according to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Montana (OCD). In the complaint, OCD also reports that Meyer and Cottonwood's conduct "has resulted in extensive and protracted litigation, which has been costly both financially and emotionally to all parties."
WATCH: Bozeman lawyer faces discipline charges
Meyer spoke with MTN News and said: "I’m excited about this complaint – it provides an amazing opportunity to educate the public about what’s happening in Big Sky, and some of the things that have happened over the past ten years in Big Sky.”
Court documents show Meyer filed multiple lawsuits against Big Sky Resort, the Yellowstone Club, and Spanish Peaks. The lawsuits alleged violations of the Montana Environmental Policy Act and claimed these entities were discharging pollutants into the West Fork of the Gallatin River. Meyer also accused them of using treated wastewater to irrigate and make snow.
ODC says Meyer and his firm remain involved in extensive litigation in both state and federal courts. The complaints were filed against numerous public and private entities, including Spanish Peaks Mountain Club and Big Sky Water and Sewer District.
After a jury trial in November 2025, the Big Sky Water and Sewer District estimated its defense costs had exceeded $3 million and cost Big Sky residents approximately $1,000 per customer through increased sewer rates.
This began back in 2015 when Meyer crashed while skiing at Big Sky Resort.
"I was skiing down, and I got a cat track that wasn't marked," explained Meyer. "I woke up nine days later."
According to court documents, he filed a $50 million personal injury lawsuit against the ski resort, only to have a Montana jury rule against him.
Meyer now faces five counts of violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Supreme Court. The charges deal with legal ethics and accountability.
The ODC is requesting that a formal hearing be held on the allegations of the complaint before an Adjudicatory Panel of the Commission.
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