Sydney E. Best

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...

Duncan A. Peete is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Duncan A., who practices law in Billings, Montana, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Duncan A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal prac...

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.

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...

Andrew J. (“A.J.”) Miller is a partner at Miller Tourtlotte Law, PLLC, where he passionately represents individuals in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and bad faith cases. A true Montanan, A.J. grew up in Billings and graduated with honors from Billings Central Catholic High School. He’s a proud alumnus of the University of Montana, with both an undergraduate degree in English Literature and his law degree. A.J.’s commitment to justice is rooted in his ex...

Cole Derks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Agriculture Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Cole, 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 Cole 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.

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...

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...