Natural Resources & Environment: Montana

THE FIRM Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven is a regional environmental powerhouse, with expertise in the full range of environmental and natural resources work. The group has great insight into Montana’s natural resource regulatory agencies. The firm is consequently highly regarded for its legislative and lobbying work.

Sources Say: “The firm offers mainstream as well as niche expertise, and great client service at competitive rates.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leo Berry is a former director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, and his environmental expertise is one of this group’s key strengths. His practice covers the full-range of regulatory and compliance work. Berry is also regarded as one of the state's “primary environmental lobbyists,” and has a formidable reputation for Superfund cleanup work. Catherine Laughner is “a great choice for environmental litigation, as well as regulatory and compliance work.” The experience gained working in environmental affairs for Chevron, and as an analytical chemist for OSHA stands her in great stead when dealing with some of the more esoteric environmental issues. Steven Wade advises clients on environmental law, commercial law and legislative concerns. Sources commend his “fine grasp of complex regulatory and legislative issues.” John Tietz is especially strong on water-related issues. He counsels clients on an array of environmental concerns, including Superfund and hazardous waste cleanup, permitting and compliance.

THE FIRM The strength of Crowley Fleck’s group is anchored by its peerless oil and gas practice. Another crucial string to the firm’s natural resources bow is its mining expertise. The team advises many regional clients, utilizing its five Montana offices, as well as the two in North Dakota.

Sources Say: "We regard Crowley Fleck as one of the foremost natural resources practices in the state.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steve Ruffatto is principally regarded as “an effective, and hugely personable, mining resource lawyer.” He also does oil and gas work. Gary Broeder is the dean of oil and gas law in Montana. Sources concur: “There is no doubt that he is the best oil and gas title attorney in the state.” His younger colleague John Lee is also highly regarded for his expertise in oil and gas law. Chris Mangen is the group’s principal natural resources litigator.

THE FIRM The core attraction of this group is its strong statewide water rights reputation. The firm also impresses in other environmental and natural resources-related work. The hub of its practice remains its Helena headquarters, although the group is also active in the southern Montana market, thanks to its Dillon office.

Sources Say: “The firm is simply phenomenal for water rights issues.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Bloomquist is “one of the first people you think of for water rights work in Montana.” His practice encompasses both transactional and litigious work. Frank Crowley has long been an influential figure in this market. His expertise has grown from his prior position as chief legal counsel for the Montana Department of Health & Environmental Sciences. Allan Payne is a former environmental consultant, and still a registered geophysicist, who is recognized for his expertise in environmental cleanup work.

THE FIRM Holland & Hart is one of a small group of regional firms to have made successful inroads into the Montana market. The team combines great local expertise with the ability to draw upon the expertise of its colleagues throughout the mountain states.

Sources Say: “This expert team really opens doors for us – its attorneys are both highly practical and well connected to industry groups out there.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Don Quander is the driving force behind this practice. He is one of the state's premier lawyers for air quality issues. Clients praise his “excellent judgment and ability to make the right calls,” with one source admitting: “I could not do my job without his advice.” Scott Mitchell advises clients across environmental and natural resources disputes, as well as commercial and employment litigation.

THE FIRM The natural resources side of the practice at Brown Law Firm is largely focused on oil and gas work. The team is especially well recognized for its expertise with hazardous waste and Superfund-related work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Walker Ross is a hugely experienced practitioner, who "really knows all there is to know about coal and oil & gas law.”

THE FIRM Garlington, Lohn & Robinson’s environmental capabilities are neatly packaged up with its real estate and land use expertise, providing clients with one streamlined group who can advise on all their transactional, regulatory and litigation issues. The team is noted for its environmental litigation expertise, as well as its niche focus on water rights issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Ross Brown is regarded as “one of the very best in western Montana.” His practice is predominantly focused on permitting and regulatory compliance work.

THE FIRM Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman's practice is anchored in the firm’s prominent Montana mining practice, and further supported by its growing presence in oil and gas and water rights work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Joscelyn's practice is focused on water rights and water quality issues, as well as mine permitting and closure work. Jon Metropoulos concentrates primarily on the representation of water and natural gas developers.

THE FIRM Poore, Roth & Robinson’s environmental practice encompasses regulatory compliance and environmental litigation. The team is noted for its work on Superfund and toxic tort matters, as well as its mining expertise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Davis falls into “that small handful of guys in the state who really understand mining law.” He has a broad practice, which also encompasses professional malpractice, civil litigation and real estate.