Montana’s Legal and Legislative Overview
Montana may be the fourth largest state in the nation by land, but it is home to a relatively limited number of large law firms. That said, those firms carry significant influence in the state’s legal landscape. This northern state, with its expansive natural beauty and robust industries such as agriculture, energy, and tourism, boasts a diverse legal market that has adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by its economy and geography.
One of the most striking features of the legal landscape in Montana is the preeminent role played by its state capital, Helena. Located in the West-Central part of the state, Helena is not only the state’s political center, but also its legal hub. Several of the largest firms in Montana have offices in Helena, including big names such as Crowley Fleck and Davis Brown. These firms serve a diverse clientele that ranges from individual residents to major corporations with interests across the state. The legal needs of Montanans are as varied as the state itself , with firms addressing the legal issues of ranchers in cattle country to advising businesses in rapidly growing urban centers.
As one of the few states with no major metropolitan area, Montana offers a unique environment for legal professionals. In addition to serving clients across the state, many large law firms in Montana have a growing presence in neighboring states due to the state’s border locations. A number of firms also have regional practices, while others have a larger national or global footprint. In all cases, the legal communities in Montana are closely-knit and responsive to the needs of their clients.
The legal community in Montana also retains a distinctively personal touch, despite the fact that certain firms are expanding their footprints. In addition to traditional services such as corporate law and intellectual property, firms also provide a full range of legal services in practice areas such as employment, real estate, and bankruptcy. While some large firms in Montana have chosen to open offices in major cities in the surrounding region, the majority prefer to "keep it local" and focus solely on services in the surrounding areas.
Leading by Size and Prestige
Measuring the biggest law firms in Montana can be done in more than one way. Some people might look at the number of attorneys, others the size and number of their client bases, and still others at their reputation versus other law firms in the state. Based on these criteria, a few of the prominent law firms in Montana include: Baker, Sokol & Bromja: This firm is the largest in the state with a rating over 85 percent from Super Lawyers. Six of its attorneys are rated as rising stars. Its main office is in Billings, with another office in Bozeman. Crowley Fleck: Founded in 1887, this is one of the oldest firms in continuous operation in the western United States. This firm has a very strong reputation across Montana, and serves clients from offices in Billings, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula. Schillinger & Pittenger, P.C.: This firm has a reputation for hard work and provides a variety of legal services that cover many areas of need. It has offices in Great Falls and Helena. We also have attorneys in Helena who have an established reputation as representatives of Glacier Law Partners, a firm that focuses on estate planning, business law, real estate, personal legal matters and a variety of litigation needs.
Major Practice Areas of Top-Notch Firms
The largest law firms in Montana cover a variety of practice areas. The most frequently practiced areas are Labor Employment and Litigation, both with 11 firms, followed by Real Estate and Construction (6), Corporate and Securities (5), and Natural Resources and Environmental (4). These areas not only cover the full spectrum of business operations but are also particularly suited to the needs of the state. For example, because Montana is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and timber, it’s important to have a solid legal foundation for these sectors, hence the prevalence of Natural Resources and Environmental practice areas. Additionally, Agriculture is another major part of the economy in Montana, and that’s why it tends to have 4 firms specifically focused on this area.
As we dominate the laws of Labor Employment and Litigation, we are also well known for our deep bench in Real Estate and Construction, Corporate and Securities, Natural Resources and Environmental, Trusts and Estates, Intellectual Property, Bankruptcy and Reorganization, Tax, Mergers and Acquisitions, Transportation, Family Law, Health Care, and even Workplace Safety and Health. We have you covered whether you need a Labor Employment and Litigation lawyer, Real Estate lawyer, or a Corporate and Securities lawyer.
Landmark Cases and Contributions
The largest law firms in Montana have had a significant impact on the legal landscape of the state and beyond. From corporations to individuals, these firms have represented high-profile clients in various practice areas, including civil rights, employment law, environmental law, and more. One such firm, Crowley Fleck, has established itself as a formidable player in environmental law. The firm has been involved in several ground-breaking nuclear site remediation efforts, addressing the intricate legal issues surrounding clean-up and accountability for hazardous waste. Their expertise in this arena has not only shaped Montana’s legal framework but has also impacted federal statutes regulating clean-up efforts across the United States. Another notable case that garnered national attention involved a civil rights decision concerning a transgender individual’s access to public facilities. This case, brought by the firm Sullivan Tabaracci & Zavareh, was pivotal in setting a precedent in both Montana and federal courts regarding anti-discrimination laws and the rights of transgender individuals in public spaces. Several of the largest law firms in Montana have also played a critical role in employment law cases, particularly those that involve wage and hour regulations. The cases handled by these firms rarely go unnoticed by the legal community and the general public. By representing clients in high-stakes litigation, they continue to build a legacy of excellence that extends well beyond the borders of Montana.
Expanding and Future Big Law in Montana
A closer examination of the current growth trends among Montana’s biggest law firms reveals a highly competitive industry that is embracing change. Many within the industry believe that the bulk of the growth is occurring simply by mergers among firms as opposed to expansion and diversification, whiles others believe that their clients are looking to do business with firms that offer a wide variety of legal services when it comes to real estate, electricity, and the practice of law. However, there are certainly some firms that have taken it upon themselves to go on the offensive and have begun to expand their team.
Edwards, Frickle & Culver, which ranks as one of the largest firms, recently expanded its Billings office when it added eight new attorneys to their team in May. However, this is not where the firm has been focusing its growth efforts over the past couple of years.
Since 2009, Edwards, Frickle & Culver has expanded its vast coverage of Montana by opening an office in Kalispell. They also merged their Bozeman office with a Bozeman-based law firm, Haugland, Muro & Faris, PLLC, and have merged with the largest firm in Miles City, Hulteng, Brockstedt & McDonnell. They also recently added the one of the Harvest Missouri law firm of Bartimus , Frickleto their team of attorneys.
Although some lawyers maintain that the majority of big law firms are relying on mergers in order to grow, the team at Crowley Fleck believes otherwise. In fact, the firm’s managing partner , Vance T. Sherwood, said that they have managed to add around 25 new attorneys to their team since January 1, 2018.
However, even though these firms have been adding to their team of attorneys to keep up with their respective workloads, this process could become increasingly more difficult as business demands begin to rise.
For example, and as previously obliquely mentioned, many companies and firms are looking to move towards providing more of their legal services on an as-needed basis, as opposed to the traditional model of putting the responsibility of a business matter on a single retainer. In other words, instead of having to hire a law firm to take care of every little detail, more and more corporations prefer to have a dedicated law firm that can handle their legal matters whenever they arise.
Of course, large law firms are not immune to the rise of artificial intelligence, either. advocates say that AI will have the greatest impact in compliance groups and insurance firms, given that both require a great deal of documentation. However, it should not be ruled out that AI will necessarily infiltrate every aspect of big law firms.
Choosing a Law Firm in Montana
When selecting a large law firm in Montana, there are several key factors that individuals and businesses should consider. One of the most important is the diversity of practice areas available within the firm. A firm that offers a wide range of services in various fields of law can be more beneficial for clients who may require legal assistance in several different areas. It also reflects a firm’s capacity to handle complex cases that might cross multiple areas of law.
Experience and expertise of the attorneys within a firm is another critical factor to consider. A law firm with highly experienced attorneys who specialize in various fields is better positioned to provide high-quality legal counsel to clients. Look for firms that have a track record of successful case outcomes in the specific areas of law relevant to your needs. Additionally, the availability of resources and support staff can be a considerable asset to a firm’s efficiency and effectiveness in delivering legal services.
The reputation of a law firm in the Montana legal community and among peers is another fundamental consideration. This can be gauged by looking at the firm’s standing with the Montana State Bar Association and other state or national ranking organizations. It is also useful to read client reviews, testimonials, and case studies to get a sense of how past clients perceive the value of the firm’s legal services.
Transparency is another area of importance when choosing a law firm. A firm that is open and forthright about its fee structure, billing practices, and any potential conflicts of interest is generally to be preferred. Be sure to evaluate if the firm’s fees are aligned with your financial expectations and that they are transparent about how various factors may affect their estimates.
Lastly, the firm’s location can also influence a decision. A firm that has offices throughout Montana may be advantageous for individuals or companies that have business interests or assets spread across multiple cities or regions of the state. It also gives the firm the ability to respond swiftly to legal matters as they arise.
When selecting a law firm, consider your own unique circumstances and legal needs. The importance and weighting of each of these factors will vary from person to person and from business to business.
Final Thoughts on Big Firms in Montana
In summary, the largest law firms in Montana play a critical role in the overall structure and function of the state’s legal landscape. They not only offer a wide range of services to their clients but also contribute significantly to the state’s economy and community welfare. As the various regions of Montana continue to grow, the services and expertise that the large law firms provide will remain essential in advising both corporations and individuals as they navigate complex and often challenging legal issues.
The sheer volume of work that these large firms handle directly relates back to the state’s economic activity and its influence on the national market. With their vast networks of professionals and relationships with other firms and industries , Montana’s large law firms are not only serving their immediate client base but are acting as a catalyst for further growth and opportunities within the region.
The economic trends in Montana strongly suggest that the largest law firms in the state will continue their upward trajectory. Increased demand for their specialized services, driven by factors such as population growth and an influx of new businesses, ensures that these firms play an instrumental role in both advising their clients and facilitating economic growth.
The importance of maintaining and growing a healthy legal marketplace in the community cannot be overstated. By offering a broad range of legal services, the largest firms ensure that local clientele can find the right type of service to match their needs. For the future, it’s likely that the law firms identified in this list will continue their expansion and play a vital role in shaping the legal landscape of Montana.
