Labor & Employment: Montana

THE FIRM The employment department at Crowley Fleck stands out for its size and excellent reputation across the state. Lawyers from its five Montana offices are able to advise and litigate on the full range of employment and labor law issues.

Sources say: "The best firm in the east of the state - informative, excellent legal counsel and great response times."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steve Lehman is a highly experienced employment attorney, with particular expertise in the areas of wrongful discharge and discrimination. Clients are impressed with his "ability to identify the issue, create solutions and successfully communicate the reality of the situation." Marcia Davenport is noted by interviewees as "one of the top employment lawyers in Helena." She has a broad practice, including employment law and litigation. Clients say: "She is amazing - she always provides a quick yet thorough response which gets right to the heart of the matter." Daniel Johns is well respected by interviewees for his focus on traditional labor law, as well as his knowledge of wrongful termination and discrimination issues. Joe Maynard is highly regarded for his employment litigation work, particularly in the fields of workers' compensation and discrimination.

THE FIRM Garlington, Lohn & Robinson's employment practice constitutes a significant portion of the firm's work. The employment department is the largest at the firm, and is praised for its deep bench strength and client focus. The group is experienced in all types of employment-related issues, including discrimination claims, labor relations, wrongful discharge, employment contracts and collective bargaining.

Sources say: "An outstanding firm - they have the knowledge, experience and expertise to handle any employment issue."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Candace Fetscher enjoys an excellent reputation for the depth of her knowledge and experience in employment law. She is especially well regarded for discrimination and wrongful discharge issues. Clients say she gives "very thorough, practical advice while remaining conscious of the cost." She is also active in medical malpractice litigation. Bradley Luck is well recognized by interviewees for his talent advising on workers' compensation issues. He is also known for his work in insurance litigation. Kelly Wills is another notable workers' compensation practitioner, who also keeps a wider personal injury litigation practice. Charles Hansberry is commended for his broad litigation expertise. He is particularly highly regarded for his knowledge of employment and ERISA litigation. Clients are impressed with his ability to simplify even the most complicated case.

THE FIRM Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven is well regarded for its ability to represent both employers and their insurers in a variety of issues. Sources note the team's prowess in workers' compensation issues as a particular strength.

Sources say: "They met my expectations and exceeded them - they are responsive, articulate and get right to the bottom of the issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Oliver Goe represents both insurers and employers in insurance defense issues. He is praised for his specialist knowledge of wrongful discharge and discrimination claims. Clients are impressed that he "is quick to establish a rapport, completely understands the law and is very easy to work with." Leo Ward is best known in workers' compensation and discrimination cases, including ADA and FMLA matters. He acts as general counsel for a number of municipal organizations in Montana. Andrew Adamek is "an extremely acute and no-nonsense" employment litigator, also specializing in workers' compensation and ADA issues. He is adept at working toward a settlement or taking a case to trial. David McLean is known for his deep understanding of the healthcare industry, and has extensive experience working closely with hospitals. Sources recommend him for "really understanding what the client wants, and always giving solid, common-sense advice."

THE FIRM This firm is well known for counseling a range of regional companies on their employment law issues. The practice group is also noted for its strength in related contentious matters, particularly in the areas of wrongful discharge and discrimination.

Sources say: "A very high-quality legal entity - the team is willing to take the time to understand you, your business and how they can best help."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees describe Tom Hattersley as a "very good strategic thinker who really has the clients' interests at heart." Sources are impressed by his ability to "think outside the box" in general advisory work and in wrongful discharge and discrimination litigation. Teri Walter manages the firm's Billings office. She is praised for her talent in workplace-related litigation. Clients describe her as "a talented, responsive and intuitive practitioner."

THE FIRM The firm is highly thought of throughout Montana, and has a strong employment and employee benefits practice in the state. The team is also able to draw on the support of 40 practitioners dedicated to the area firmwide. The team has a considerable breadth of expertise, acting for clients of all sizes, including First Interstate BancSystem and Winco Foods.

Sources say: "A very good-value and highly responsive team, with all the resources of the wider firm at its disposal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeanne Bender is a "very bright, very knowledgeable attorney." She has experience across the full spectrum of labor and employment issues, and interviewees say they turn to her for "bulletproof advice." Elizabeth Nedrow chairs the firm's benefits law group, and specializes in all areas of employee benefits law. Interviewees note that she takes a "very proactive and pragmatic approach when advising clients." Jason Ritchie is described as a "bright and dynamic attorney." He is particularly highly regarded in contentious employment matters.

THE FIRM This compact Helena-based team maintains an impressive employment practice, which is particularly highly regarded for its strength in the litigious side of labor law. It offers advice on discrimination matters, wrongful discharge, contracts, harassment, personnel policies and workplace investigations, among others. 

Sources say: "A very high-quality firm with a solid employment team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Sullivan has "a reservoir of knowledge in all areas of employment law, as well as very good judgment." He is highly regarded by commentators for both his employment advice and his complementary skill in litigation and mediation. Amy Christensen is active in all areas of employment law, as well as civil litigation and healthcare law. Sources describe her as a "very capable, smart and tenacious lawyer."

THE FIRM This Missoula-based firm has a well-established reputation for its advisory and litigious work in employment law and labor relations matters. The group acts for clients in a wide variety of industries, including municipalities, healthcare and private companies.

Sources say: "Good lawyers who know what they're doing - thorough and reasonably priced work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ronald Bender is described as "an excellent attorney who gets right onto the issue, no matter the time of day or night." He is particularly highly regarded for his strength in discrimination and disability issues. Jeremy Thane brings nearly 60 years of legal experience to the firm, and continues to advise clients in relation to traditional labor relations work.

THE FIRM This long-standing Billings-based firm has an especially strong reputation for its employment litigation practice, representing a wide variety of regional clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Heringer is described as "a solid workers' compensation lawyer," who also maintains a wider litigation practice. He is particularly experienced in representing clients from the mining, construction and oil and gas industries.

THE FIRM This compact Great Falls-based team is well thought of for its employment litigation practice, as well as its employment advice to clients including healthcare and insurance providers, public bodies and private companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Zadick is recognized for his "very practical, plain-spoken approach." He is acknowledged for his work representing both employers and employees.