John M. Kauffman

A former law clerk for Ninth Circuit Judges Thomas G. Nelson and N. Randy Smith, Michael Manning’s practice focuses on appellate advocacy and complex litigation. He has argued multiple appeals in the Ninth Circuit, and regularly represents clients in both federal and state courts. His appellate and trial-level litigation experience covers a broad range of substantive topics, including environmental litigation, constitutional issues, intellectual property, bank bad faith and lender liabi...

Brandon Hoskins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate and Real Estate Law. Brandon, who practices law in Billings, Montana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brandon is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Malcolm Goodrich was admitted to practice in Montana in 1984 and is certified as a Business Bankruptcy Specialist by ABI/ABC. The Goodrich Law Firm practices throughout the State of Montana and accepts clients on a referral basis only. The Firm concentrates its practice in the areas of insolvency, agricultural law, banking law and comercial litigation. Malcolm Goodrich is a past president of the State Bar Bankruptcy Section and has spoken at numerous seminars both throughout the State of Mont...

Adam Tunning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Municipal and Litigation - Real Estate. Adam, who practices law in Billings, Montana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 corpora...

Mr. Ritchie successfully represents clients involved in virtually all types of labor and employment disputes. Businesses trust Mr. Ritchie to achieve positive results when their reputations are on the line. Mr. Ritchie represents and advises clients in several areas, including claims of wrongful discharge, harassment, discrimination, breach of employment contract, response to state and federal investigations and claims arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Montana Human Rights Ac...

Gerry Fagan has been practicing as a civil litigator at one of the top Montana law firms since 1998. Gerry is a Montana native who graduated with Honors from the University of Montana School of Law. He has tried over ten jury trial cases throughout Montana, including in Billings, Missoula, and in Great Falls, Montana. He primarily handles the defense of claims for personal injury, product liability, malpractice, employment, and municipal liability. He also handles a wide range of commercial l...

Paul Odegaard, a North Dakota native, came to Montana in 1999 to begin his legal career in private practice. Prior to earning his law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1998, Paul graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota in 1994. While attending law school, he was inducted into the Order of the Coif, which reflected his achievement for graduating in the top 10% of his class. After graduating from law school, Paul served as a law clerk for the Justice Mar...

Katie J. Maehl is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Real Estate Law and Tax Law. Katie J., who practices law in Billings, Montana, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katie J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristy Buckley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Kristy, who practices law in Bozeman, Montana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.