Areas of Practice

I provide a wide range of in-depth business advice to large and small businesses.

I assist clients in developing and negotiating commercial transactions such as:

My clients depend on me to bring innovative, cost-effective solutions to their commercial transactions. By taking the time to understand the clients' business operations and goals, I can provide practical advice in time-critical situations. I understand each transaction is important to the clients, so I focus on giving practical legal advice and creating solutions for operating companies.

Has an employee made a complaint of harassment or discrimination against you or your business? Do you work for or own a business that needs assistance drafting and reviewing personnel manuals? Do you work for or own a business that needs assistance in developing policies and procedures dealing with difficult employees?

I am experienced in representing both individuals and businesses in matters related to employment law. I provide dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation to clients in the areas of:

I have the experience and knowledge to help corporations avoid employment litigation through employment practice consultations to ensure your business is compliant with federal and state law.

I handle many types of environmental cases, including:

I have represented clients in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate. I specialize in the drafting of wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney for finances and durable powers of attorney for health care. I have experience in conducting probate proceedings, ancillary probate proceedings, and conservatorship proceedings. The probate proceedings have involved all types of assets including minerals, farms and ranches, business interests and numerous other property interests.

I have a comprehensive, detail-oriented approach to a wide variety of practice areas, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. I cannot possibly list every case or type of case that I've ever been involved in, but I typically handle cases such as:

I help our clients avoid litigation, where possible, by providing advice and counsel founded upon a tradition of experience and sound judgment. When litigation cannot, or should not, be avoided, I am ready to provide courtroom representation to clients before all federal, state and administrative forums in Montana. I work with clients to plan and prepare for litigation in advance, in order to protect the client's long-term needs and interests.

I am also skilled in mediation, negotiation and alternative methods of dispute resolution. I settle cases promptly and economically when fair settlements are possible and acceptable to the client.

If you have been sued or need advice on your rights regarding contracts, litigation or any of the other areas listed above, contact me for a consultation on how I can help protect your rights and claims.

Mediation in Montana is a process by which an impartial third party helps disputing parties work out a mutually acceptable solution to their disagreement. The mediator meets with both parties and allows each disputant the opportunity to present their issues. The mediator then assists the parties in working through their issues to find a reasonable settlement for their dispute. The mediator does not offer legal advice, but can offer their opinion regarding settlement solutions. A mediator can also bring new perspectives to the proceeding through their own knowledge of the subject matter. A mediator can assist parties in exploring alternatives that they might not have otherwise considered. However, the mediator does not have the authority to make a binding decision in the mediation process. Mediation is voluntary and confidential and can be considerably less expensive than going to trial. I usually recommend mediation to all my clients and have experience mediating numerous types of civil cases.

 

When representing personal injury clients, the cases are usually performed on a contingency basis, and there is no risk to you. I only collect attorneys' fees if I obtain settlement or verdict on your behalf.

I represent a variety of clients in the area of real estate law from individuals, small partnerships to large corporations and financial institutions. I specialize in the drafting of purchase and sale agreements, commercial lease agreements, contracts for deed, easements, trust indentures, real estate mortgages and numerous other conveyancing documents. I prepare title opinions for commercial and mineral clients and finance opinions for lending institutions. I also have extensive experience in litigating real property issues including boundary disputes, disputes involving restrictive covenants and contract issues involving commercial leases and other agreements.