Ekalaka Lawyers

I grew up in a family business, and graduated from West Point, serving 6 years as an Army Airborne Ranger infantry officer. The combination makes me a consummate team player who instinctively leads and trains team members as needed. My legal expertise is honed from practice in both corporations and law firms, both large and small. My diverse background enables me to cross the lines of the business, administrative, technical, and legal sections of a company, and has taught me to develop and lead teams to set and attain goals harmonized to the business strategies, plans and...

A considerate approach to the loss of a loved one. Montana Legacy Law, PLLC helps families navigate the process of death. Montana Legacy Law, PLLC practices in estates, Wills, and personal injury/wrongful death. We are caring, and every client's needs are equally important to us, regardless of scope or size. Scott Roy McLean is a Hamilton native who opened his own practice in 2017. Previously, Scott practiced in Washington, DC for six years where he attended law school at The George Washington University School of Law. Scott holds a bachelor's degree in business management. Scott Roy McLean's background is in business,...

Specialties include child custody and parenting plans; equine law.

Jeffrey Keith Greenwell is the owner of the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Greenwell, PLLC. He has specialized in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy since 2008.

During the Great Recession, Mr. Greenwell worked as local counsel for the Yellowstone Mountain Club’s Unsecured Creditors Committee that equitably subordinated a $370 million secured loan in favor of the unsecured creditors. During this time, he also helped both individual and small business clients restructure their financial lives.

Mr. Greenwell obtained both his Juris Doctor and Master of Studies in Environmental Law degree from Vermont Law School. He graduated from Weber State University with a...

Rob’s legal practice has focused on commercial and civil litigation and business and real estate matters for more than 20 years. Rob earned his B.S. in Business Management and B.A. in Political Science (Public Administration) from The University of Montana in 1997. After several years of real world work experience in Portland, Oregon, Rob earned his J.D., cum laude, from Tulane Law School in New Orleans, along with a certificate in Environmental Law. There, Rob was a Managing Editor of the Tulane Environmental Law Journal. After six years of litigation-focused practice in Albuquerque, Rob returned to Missoula...

As a previous executive and general counsel at a leading regional technology company as well as many years of experience in private practice in Seattle and Missoula, Aaron helps telecommunications providers, startups, tech companies, banks, HOAs, contractors, real estate developers, and individuals in Montana and Washington with all their legal needs--e.g., litigation, dispute resolution, business formations and maintenance, contract review and preparation, succession planning, regulatory advice and compliance, employee manuals, business policies, lobbying, cybersecurity and privacy, wills, trusts, estate plans, etc. In his free time, Aaron enjoys fishing, hiking, basketball, baseball, concerts, breweries, and spending time with his wife,...

Craig C. Hensel has been practicing law in Billings, Montana since 1996. Craig is licensed in all state courts in Montana, all state courts in North Dakota, and Federal Court for the District of Montana. Craig spent over a decade as a prosecutor where he gained extensive courtroom and jury trial experience, trying hundreds of cases to verdict. Craig also has extensive civil experience and represented defendants and insurance companies in personal injury actions for several years, before deciding to switch sides and represent injured individuals.

“I used to work for insurance companies, and saw how they would drag out...

Rebecca "Becky” Henning-Rutz graduated from the University of Montana, School of Law in 2006. She was fourth in her class, graduating with high honors. Becky has been practicing law in the Kalispell area ever since. Becky handles a variety of civil litigation. In 2021, she was the lead attorney on MontanaSky et al v. Ronan Telephone, in which GrizzlyLaw obtained a $1.2million verdict for their client, MontanaSky. In addition to complex business litigation, Becky has been involved in numerous kinds of civil cases including auto accidents, business disputes, insurance bad faith claims and will contests. ...

During nearly a decade of practicing law, Matt has represented clients ranging from individuals, home owners, municipalities, small businesses and large national corporations. Matt is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer, having tried, arbitrated and mediated numerous cases resulting in favorable settlements and verdicts, in both state and federal courts . Matt also has extensive appellate experience, litigating in multiple state courts of appeal and Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal. Matt has experience handling all types of civil matters, including construction and commercial law, employment issues, contract disputes and all matters pertaining to businesses.

Ross T. Johnson is a partner at?Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C.?Ross grew up working on the family farm and ranch, located north of Conrad, Montana. In 2008, Ross graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Economics. After graduating college, Ross returned to Montana where he earned a J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law in 2012. Since joining Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C., Ross has litigated a wide array of plaintiffs’ civil claims including, but not limited to: wrongful death, products liability, property contamination and damage, personal injury, insurance disputes, automobile accidents and workers’ compensation claims. Ross, his wife...

Miva VanEngen fights vigorously in her representation of clients who have been injured by others: whether by car crash, negligent acts of others, or at work (personal injury and workers' compensation claims). She also works hard for her clients who have been charged with a DUI or other crime. Finally, she represents a variety of clients in simple and complex divorces, parenting plans, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements and other family law matters.

Her clients can be found all over Montana and in other states. Technological advances make it possible to represent clients without the need for travel, depending on the reason...

Medical malpractice lawyer Jim Ragain has over four decades of experience resolving disputes, whether through negotiated settlements or favorable trial verdicts. Jim represents individuals and businesses in virtually all types of personal injury cases and a wide range of general litigation matters. The bulk of his practice is devoted to catastrophic injuries caused by negligence, medical malpractice, or intentional wrongdoing in Montana and Wyoming.

Vicevich Law was formed to foster the development of a new model of law practice. The explosion of technology has changed the practice of law. Law firms anchored to a physical site and reliant on over-specialization, large support staff, and paper files became obsolete rapidly in the last decade. The State Bar of Montana recognizes that law practice in Montana is falling behind the national trend of adapting to technology. Many courts now only accept electronic filings and the electronic courtroom has arrived. Exhibits and transcripts are available instantly in court to judges, lawyers, and...

I bring a unique perspective to the practice of law. After obtaining a degree in Mathematics from Montana State University, I founded and operated Connors Construction, LLC, which specialized in building multi-million dollar custom residences in Big Sky, Montana. My craftsmanship was featured in several books, magazines, and trade journals, including the cover of Ralph Kylloe’s 2010 book Rustic Elegance. I have an interest in the complex nature of the law and chose to couple my experience with small business, real estate, and natural resources expertise with a Juris Doctorate degree. In 2013, I...

Matthew was born and raised in Butte where he attended and graduated from Butte High School. After high school, Matthew attended Montana State University where he graduated with a B.A. in Neuroscience and Cell Biology in 2008. After finishing his undergraduate degree Matthew attended law school at the University of North Dakota, where he received his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. While attending law school Matthew received multiple awards including the Burtness Scholar award in property law, being inducted into the Phi Delta Phi legal honors society and was also inducted into the National Order of Barristers for having exhibited excellence...

A Big Sky State native, Charlie grew up in Missoula, Montana. After graduating from Hellgate High School, Charlie attended Harvard University. While in college, Charlie was an ROTC cadet and Division I varsity athlete in swimming and water polo. After graduating cum laude in American History, Charlie received his commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. His 4-year, active duty service included a 13-month combat tour in Iraq. While in the field, Charlie was put in numerous positions that required strong leadership, quick-thinking, and sound judgment. These positions ranged from leading his...

Bidegaray Law Firm, LLC is one of Montana's highest rated law firms. They help people that have insurance claims against insurance companies. They also help people who have suffered a serious injury or wrongful death. Insurance companies have experienced personnel who often do not prioritize your interests. If an insurance company is not treating you fairly, Bidegaray Law Firm can help. They have obtained numerous substantial verdicts and settlements for clients and have the knowledge and expertise to get the results you deserve.

When Colin Gerstner went to college, he was studying history with no idea of what he really wanted to do with his life. Luckily, one of his professors gave him great advice to go to law school, hoping that he might find his passion. This was exactly the right fit for Colin, as law school gave him a new purpose, and showed him just how much he wanted to help people and be a part of social change.

He didn’t become an attorney to get rich, he just enjoys working with individuals and helping them get through whatever problem they are...

My name is Frank P. Pipitone and I am a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Bozeman, MT. I focus my practice on all issues related to consumer defense. I like to practice law holistically and value the personal relationships I am able to establish with my clients. I look at bankruptcy as financial rehabilitation and enjoy working with clients to address their financial issues and give them the tools to succeed financially post bankruptcy.

Cathy has practiced law for over 30 years in both state and federal courts. Her practice has been concentrated in complex civil litigation cases including, governmental tort defense, aviation and air crash litigation, products liability, medical device and medical malpractice cases, commercial contract disputes, auto negligence, personal injury, insurance coverage and insurance contract disputes, construction litigation, wrongful death, property and casualty defense, employment law, and professional malpractice. In addition, Cathy has represented clients in the field of family law; trusts and estate, probate and wills; social security disability and SSI claims. Cathy also assists clients in the development of business entities,...

Before venturing into personal injury law, Merry Marr began her legal career working as a Patent Attorney in Washington State. She then expanded her legal skills by working in consumer protection law and later as the supervising attorney at the office of the public defender in Montana. After Merry relocated to Montana in 2011, she chose to dedicate her vast knowledge and experience to the field of personal injury law. Merry can think of no better use of her time, effort, and legal expertise than to help victims who have suffered personal injuries, and she wants nothing more than to...

I focus my practice on business bankruptcy, consumer bankruptcy, personal injury, and insurance law (including insurance bad faith). Here are a few examples of recent cases I have handled***: In a 2011 chapter 13 bankruptcy, I reduced the Debtors' second mortgage from $51,740.57 to $10,000.00 through an adversary proceeding against the lender. In a 2010 chapter 11 bankruptcy, I reduced a $202,248.12 secured obligation to $15,000.00 through an adversary proceeding against the lender. Obtained confirmation of a plan of reorganization that reduced the business's unsecured debt by 60%. Representing the Moonlight Basin Golf Club Member Committee in the Moonlight...

David was born and raised in Deer Lodge, Montana, and graduated from Powell County High School. He received a bachelorâs degree in English Literature from the University of Montana, where he was an active member of the Davidson Honors College and the University of Montana Advocates. After completing his undergraduate education, David attended law school at the University of Montana. While in law school, David worked as a Junior Partner in the law school's Law Firm Program, participated in the law school;s Mediation Clinic, and interned at Worden Thane, P.C. Upon graduation, David began practicing in Missoula. David is admitted to...

I am an attorney with many years of litigation experience who now focuses on providing legal research, writing, and consulting. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2000, I practiced in my home state of Florida and handled a wide variety of matters such as commercial disputes, premises liability, products liability, family matters, contracts, property law, constitutional law, and international law. In 2010 I moved to Missoula, Montana, and practiced in the areas of insurance defense, insurance coverage, and bad faith until establishing my own practice in 2013. The law firm of Wilton H. Strickland, PLLC...

Peter graduated from Montana State University, with honors, in 2006. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and attended law school at Gonzaga University School of Law. In the fall of 2009, after passing the Montana Bar, Peter chose to enter active duty as an Infantry Officer and attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School at Fort Benning Georgia. During his active service, he deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait and received the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge while deployed to Afghanistan. Peter left...

I approach stewardship of our natural environment through the eyes of a lawyer, scientist, educator, and farmer. Protection and improvement of our watersheds, landscapes and communities requires a firm grounding in science, citizen engagement, and insistence on compliance with the law. Specialties: Clean Water Act, land use policy, water resources management, imperiled species conservation, environmental campaigning.

Douglas Day has lived in Montana since 2001 when he and his family moved to Missoula to enter Law School at the University of Montana. Before that, Douglas completed a bachelor of science double major in biochemistry and cellular biology from the University of California, San Diego. It did not take long to fall in love with Big Sky country. After law school, his family moved to Lewistown to clerk for the 10th Judicial District Court for a year. Douglas then joined the Office of Public Defender as a Regional Deputy. He has served as...

Janel F. Chin provides comprehensive legal guidance to clients as they navigate the peaks and valleys of their lives. More than just a will, a contract or documents to probate an estate, Janel provides her clients with comprehensive legal services and guidance to help them navigate the peaks and valleys of their lives. Janel's legal experiences since becoming a member of the Montana State Bar in 2012 have been focused exclusively on providing family, estate planning and probate legal services at a reasonable cost.

Formerly admitted to practice law in Colorado, Janel has experience representing to non-immigrant crime victims applying for...

Abigail graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 2017. While in law school, she was selected to compete on the trial team, where she gained invaluable experience trying cases locally and at the regional level. During law school and after passing the bar, Abigail worked for a local criminal defense firm until she opened her own practice in 2019. Shortly after opening her practice, Abigail's hard work and dedication to her clients led her to be recognized by the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as the "Rookie of the Year." For nearly five years, until partnering...

I have over 19 years experience in criminal law, DUI cases, divorces, family law, guardianships, and estates/probate. I am a former county attorney for 13 years. I handle cases in Helena and western Montana with my office located in Helena. Let me put my experience to work for you.

Since graduating from The Law School at the University of Notre Dame in 1994, Paul has represented clients and/or garnered legal experience regarding a wide and varied array of legal matters, issues, and cases. If you need to talk to Paul, you will. Today. Guaranteed.* (406) 630.3032 www.AttorneyPaul.Law

I am a managing partner at Axilon Law, a small firm of very talented litigation attorneys scattered in four offices across the state. The lawyers I try to emulate not only present stirring arguments and know how to elicit testimony to strengthen their clients' cases, but also are experts in keeping their clients out of court as much as possible. I love being in court, and I have been recognized for my talents in that realm, but my clients never enjoy the experience. My job isn't to show off my talents; it is to protect my clients'...

Sean Morrison is an attorney at Morrisona Law Firm, PLLC, specializing in tax controversy, planning and policy. After graduating from Harvard Law School with honors in 2015, Sean worked at an elite tax law firm in Washington, D.C. His experience includes representing clients in high-profile tax disputes before the U.S. Tax Court and the District Court of D.C. Prior to law school, Sean worked as a research assistant on tax policy for U.S. Senator Max Baucus.

Ken W. Choi is an Associate of the DiJulio Law Group. Mr. Choi specializes in Business and Real Estate litigation and transactions. He has extensive experience in drafting contracts and forming various types of Corporations, Partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies (L.L.C.), as well as buying, selling, leasing, and constructing million-dollar real properties. Mr. Choi is also a lecturer for high-level government officials, legal and financial specialists, as well as entrepreneurs from China, conducting seminars in the areas of law, business, and public policy. He has extensive personal contacts with various governmental agencies in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Anhui Province,...

Maxwell “Max” Kirchhoff is a partner at Western Justice Associates. His practice is exclusively dedicated to civil litigation for plaintiffs where he focuses on personal injury, product liability, and class action litigation. Max is a third generation Montanan, born and raised in Bozeman. He has proudly represented Montanans from all corners of the State. Max understands that most Montanans will have a hard time getting a fair settlement from insurance companies and other corporate wrongdoers without his help, so he expends all efforts to provide injured Montanans with the compensation they deserve. Max’s success in achieving excellent results for his clients...