Sydney E. Best

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...

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...

Bryan Kautz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Bryan, 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 Bryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Admitted to State Bar of Montana in 1984, and admitted to practice in State and federal courts in Montana, as well as United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.