The 2026 Rookie of the Year Award was presented by Paul Banks to the FDOM/MTACDL conference in Chico on March 12, 2026:
I am honored to present the Rookie of the Year award to my colleague and close friend, Grace Brosofsky, a felony line attorney with OPD in Bozeman.
Grace accomplished a lot in 2025, but what stands out most was her first felony jury trial, a deliberate homicide case in Gallatin County. Grace took over the case as lead counsel a few months before trial. By the time trial came, Grace had become an expert in the law and principles of justifiable use of force. She entered the courtroom fearless and fully prepared to try the case despite several challenging facts.
The trial lasted nine long days. During the trial, Grace methodically cross-examined the officers, exposing their lackluster investigation for what it was; she presented expert testimony that convinced the jury that the amount and type of force her client used was reasonable under the circumstances; and she concluded with a ninety-minute argument that led the jury to return a verdict of “not guilty” in about two hours. Grace’s performance in the courtroom was spectacular.
Many prosecutors have made the mistake of “judging the book by its cover.” That is, they infer from Grace’s care-free demeanor and appearance that she is not a threat. This is, indeed, a mistake. A warning to all: Grace Brosofsky will squash you like a bug.
