Matt Dodd has been in the courtroom as long as he can remember, watching his father practice throughout the South. After attending law school at the University of Utah (where he helped secure the exoneration of a wrongfully incarcerated man), Matt clerked for the Utah Supreme Court. He then moved to Montana and opened offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Helena, and Livingston. Matt handles criminal, civil, and family law cases and enjoys teaching judges and juries how to help his clients.
Matt has regularly been named as a Super Lawyer Rising Star and, in 2017, Matt was recognized by the National College for DUI Defense with the Appellate Advocacy Award. In addition, Matt is just one of three lawyers in the State of Montana who belong to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
For the last decade, Matt has traveled nationwide to lecture and teach trial skills. He is a regular lecturer for the Montana Office of Public Defender and has taught many of the state’s trial judges about issues in driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Matt has authored several articles on trial tactics for family, civil, and criminal cases published in national and state law journals and he co-authored the book, Cross-Examination for Depositions, now in its second edition, with his father, Roger Dodd.
Matt consults, coaches, and co-counsels with lawyers nationwide.
Growing up on a small horse farm and running a tree care business instilled a strong and tireless work ethic in Dillon from an early age. He applies that same work ethic to pursue justice for his clients and help fellow community members navigate stressful situations. Success in litigation fulfills Dillon’s love for handling tricky situations—similar to rigging large trees before removing them from valuable structures.
Dillon graduated with Honors from Vermont Law School. While at Vermont Law School, Dillon served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law and as Appellate Advocacy Chair of the school’s moot court team. His participation in both taught him strong legal writing, oral advocacy, and the power of persuasion. During and after law school, Dillon worked for Chief Justice Paul Reiber of the Vermont Supreme Court.
While his practice focuses on trial work, Dillon continues to be published in law school textbooks, books, and law journals in various areas of the law, including Natural Resources and Environmental Law. As a former National Science Fellow and current member of the DUI Defense Lawyer Association, National College of DUI Defense, National Academy of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and MT Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Dillon remains up to speed on arguing science and the law in his criminal cases.
Dillon spends his free time pushing his limits in the backcountry with his girlfriend and enjoying all that the wilderness has to offer—including backcountry skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, hunting, fly fishing, and just about any outdoor sport with action involved. When not in the woods, Dillon can be found sorting logs in his log yard, horseback, or making furniture in his cabinet shop.
Born and raised in “Old Bozeman,” Jessica Wilkerson graduated from Bozeman High School and majored in Biology at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She took her passion for community involvement and scientific understanding to Vermont Law School, where Jessica earned her law degree and a master’s in environmental law and policy.
After interning at the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, Jessica returned to Montana to practice criminal defense with the Office of Public Defenders, family law throughout the state with Montana Legal Services Association, and environmental law with the Department of Environmental Quality. Jessica brings a broad swath of experience, insight, and passion to each case she handles.
When not practicing law, she problem-solves on her property outside of Helena, which is home to pigs, goats, chickens, bees, 2 dogs, and a cat. Jessica feels fortunate every day that she lives in Montana.
Ysabella Roberts was originally from Sacramento, California but moved to Montana for several years in search of that small-town vibe that seems to be vanishing from most of the world today. Her decision to leave big city life became concrete when she was touring colleges and fell in love with the small town of Bozeman, MT. For many years, Ysabella led a successful retail management career but later decided to switch gears and study law. After working at Dodd Law Firm P.C. for several years, Ysabella has delved into her education in the legal realm by attending Gonzaga Law School. There she has seen academic success, has been voted in as a board member to multiple student associations, and has created a vast network. Additionally, Ysabella has had the honor to be a research assistant to a Fulbright Scholar and Professor at Gonzaga Law School. When not focusing on her academic and legal career, Ysabella enjoys developing her innate artistic talent for drawing charcoal pieces and enjoying the outdoors.
Emily recently decided to transition into the legal world as a paralegal, following in her father's footsteps. Coupled with her degree in Business Management, Emily’s diverse background in animal medicine, Compliance, and law enforcement has made her an asset to the firm.
Emily relocated from Arizona to Montana for a change of scenery and to experience all the outdoor activities Montana has to offer, such as snowboarding, ice climbing, and hiking. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing with her pitbulls, and traveling. She also spends her time participating in Krav Maga and any activities that involve being on the Yellowstone River.
In 2020, after spending her early years between the small, scenic towns of Stehekin, Washington, and Bainville, Montana, Victoria moved to the big city of Bozeman to pursue her dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Sociology at Montana State University.
With a background in non-profit work, Victoria has gained a strong passion for helping, educating, and advocating for others. She decided to expand her knowledge by obtaining her paralegal certification in 2023, shortly after starting here at Dodd Law Firm. Since, Victoria has been able to develop her passion by helping our clients navigate and understand the complexities of the legal system.
In addition to her work as a paralegal, Victoria is completing her studies at Montana State University. She chose to pursue a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology because she believes these fields provide a strong foundation for understanding the legal and social dynamics that shape our world. After earning her degrees and gaining valuable experience as a paralegal, she plans to attend law school to pursue her long-term goal of becoming an attorney.
Victoria is excited about the journey ahead, both academically and professionally, and looks forward to continuing to grow in the legal field while supporting the dedicated clients and talented team here at Dodd Law Firm.
When asked what she does for work, Maggie's roommates are quick to chime in: "she's a bad-*ss lawyer!". Although untrue, she has full intention to someday join the ranks of 'bad*ss lawyers', that she currently works for. For now, she's a legal assistant, helping the firm with everything from drafting court documents to jury research to onsite investigation.
Maggie is currently finishing her undergraduate in English Writing at MSU and expects to graduate in the Spring of 2025. When not at the firm or in class, she can be found deep in the mountains skiing, biking, and running. Maggie is eager to explore other parts of the country and plans on attending law school somewhere beyond her home state of Montana. She hopes to one day make a positive impact on the world, fighting on behalf of the planet as an Environmental lawyer.
