Anita Harper Poe

A product of the Phoenix, Arizona desert, Anita adopted western Montana over 25 years ago, living in Noxon and Libby before moving to Missoula in 1991. Anita attended law school at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. She was a recipient of the prestigious Thomas More Scholarship which is awarded for academic achievement and a record of public service. While in law school, Anita served on the law review staff and was chosen Associate Editor of the year by her peers on the law review staff. She was selected to represent Gonzaga Law School in the Regional Moot Court competition, and was involved in a number of campus organizations. Anita graduated summa cum laude and ranked first in her class in 1991.

Anita brought to the practice of law, many years of experience as a business owner, employer, and medical clinic manager. Anita's areas of concentration include hospital and health care law, medical negligence defense and employment law. She is admitted to practice before all Montana courts, the United States District Court and Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. She is a member of the American Bar Association, its Health Law section, the American Health Lawyers Association, the Montana Bar Association, and the Montana Defense Trial Lawyers' Association. Anita also provides regular pro-bono assistance to the Missoula County Crime Victim Advocates.

As an undergraduate, Anita carefully prepared for her future law career by studying Chinese and training dolphins. She earned her BA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduating with honors in Asian Studies. At the same time, Anita worked in the veterinary unit at a Navy marine mammal research and training facility. Anita lives in Hamilton where she and her family enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Bitterroot.