Bozeman Lawyer Charged with Professional Misconduct by Montana Supreme Court

Charges allege John Meyer persisted 'without a basis in fact or law,' fabricated video material, and misused social media in Big Sky lawsuits

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel has filed professional misconduct charges against John Meyer, a Bozeman-based lawyer and executive director of Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, for his 'extensive' and 'relentless' environmental litigation involving various entities in the Big Sky area. The charges allege Meyer violated rules related to dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, offering false evidence, falsifying evidence, and making prejudicial public statements.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the use of aggressive legal tactics and misinformation in environmental litigation, as well as the financial burden placed on local entities like the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District due to the repeated lawsuits filed by Meyer and Cottonwood Environmental Law Center.

The details

The charges filed by Pamela Bucy, chief disciplinary counsel for the ODC, cite multiple lawsuits brought by Meyer and Cottonwood against entities like the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and the Yellowstone Club. The charges allege Meyer violated rules by making false claims, fabricating evidence, and using social media to improperly influence court proceedings. One lawsuit involved Meyer editing a video to make it appear a company was discharging sewage, despite the video being inaccurate. Another lawsuit against the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District resulted in $3.4 million in costs for ratepayers.

  • The charges were filed on February 9, 2026.
  • Meyer has 6-12 months to participate in a hearing as part of the administrative process, unless he reaches a settlement with the ODC.
  • On February 12, 2026, two days after the charges were filed, Meyer sent a promotional email to Cottonwood supporters accusing the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District of 'fraudulent data'.

The players

John Meyer

A Bozeman-based lawyer and executive director of Cottonwood Environmental Law Center who is facing professional misconduct charges from the Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Pamela Bucy

The chief disciplinary counsel for the Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which filed the professional misconduct charges against John Meyer.

Big Sky County Water and Sewer District

A local entity that was the target of repeated lawsuits filed by Meyer and Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, resulting in $3.4 million in costs for ratepayers.

Spanish Peaks Mountain Club

An entity that Meyer accused of discharging sewage, using edited video footage as evidence, despite having already settled the issue with Cottonwood Environmental Law Center.

Yellowstone Club

A defendant in a lawsuit filed by Cottonwood Environmental Law Center alleging violations of the Clean Water Act, which was later dismissed by a federal jury.

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What they’re saying

“We received grievances, or complaints, so that's why Mr. Meyer got investigated… And this is the result of that investigation.”

— Pamela Bucy, Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel (EBS)

“This is an excellent opportunity to educate Montanans and the Montana Supreme Court about Big Sky Resort's abusive litigation strategies.”

— John Meyer (EBS)

“More importantly, the ethical complaint against Mr. Meyer has nothing to do with his personal injury lawsuit against Big Sky, as is clear from the complaint.”

— Big Sky Resort Representatives (EBS)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming 6-12 months whether to accept a settlement between Meyer and the ODC or proceed with a hearing on the professional misconduct charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the use of aggressive legal tactics and misinformation in environmental litigation, as well as the financial burden placed on local entities due to repeated lawsuits. It raises questions about the balance between environmental advocacy and professional conduct standards for lawyers.