- Understanding Montana legal landscape
- Top 7 firms in Montana
- What to consider when choosing a firm in Montana
Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including legal services expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.
Montana's legal services market, generating $546.7 million in annual revenue, requires careful evaluation given the state's unique jurisdictional complexities and diverse economic landscape. With 3,183 active lawyers serving 324,000 active businesses, selecting the right legal representation can significantly impact operational efficiency and compliance outcomes. Data-driven selection helps businesses match their specific industry needs—whether in agriculture, energy, or tribal commerce—with firms demonstrating proven expertise and measurable results in those sectors.
Understanding Montana legal landscape
Montana's $58.5 billion economy creates distinct legal service demands across agriculture, energy production, and real estate sectors. The state's legal complexity stems from tribal jurisdiction matters involving seven reservations, creating overlapping regulatory frameworks that require specialized expertise. Specialized financial regulations attracting international services businesses add another layer of complexity. Geographic considerations matter significantly, with major legal activity concentrated in Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Missoula counties, though rural areas often require firms with statewide reach. The legal market's growth outpaces national averages, driven by Montana's business-friendly environment and increasing interstate commerce, making firm selection critical for capitalizing on emerging opportunities while navigating regulatory requirements.
Top 7 firms in Montana
Based on our analysis of legal spending patterns and market positioning, the leading firms demonstrate distinct specializations serving Montana's diverse economy. MSWD Law leads in natural resources litigation, MT Tax Law dominates tax controversy matters, and DML Law excels in agricultural and real estate transactions. These firms, along with four other market leaders, collectively represent the breadth of legal expertise required by Montana businesses navigating state-specific challenges.
MSWD Law
MSWD Law operates from Billings with 8 attorneys specializing in natural resources and commercial litigation for over 15 years. The firm represents agricultural cooperatives, mining operations, and renewable energy developers in complex regulatory matters. Their expertise includes water rights adjudication, particularly in the Yellowstone River basin, and tribal energy development projects under the Indian Mineral Development Act. The firm's commitment to rural communities earned them the Montana State Bar's Pro Bono Excellence Award in 2023 for providing over 500 hours of free legal services.
Notable facts
Successfully litigated precedent-setting water rights cases affecting agricultural operations throughout the Yellowstone River basin. Advised on multiple tribal energy development projects, navigating complex jurisdictional requirements between state and tribal authorities. Maintains the highest concentration of natural resources law specialists among Billings-based firms.
Key practice areas
- Natural resources law
- Commercial litigation
- Water rights adjudication
- Tribal business development
Best for
Agricultural businesses, mining companies, and renewable energy developers requiring specialized expertise in Montana's complex natural resources regulations. Particularly valuable for entities operating near tribal lands or involved in water rights disputes.
MT Tax Law
MT Tax Law focuses exclusively on state and federal tax controversy matters from offices in Missoula and Bozeman since 2008. The 5-attorney firm represents technology startups, hospitality businesses, and out-of-state investors before the Montana Department of Revenue and IRS. Their landmark 2023 Supreme Court victory challenging Montana's capital gains tax structure reshaped state tax policy. The firm publishes the authoritative Montana Tax Guide, considered essential reading for accounting professionals statewide.
Notable facts
Only Montana firm focusing exclusively on tax controversy and litigation matters. Successfully challenged constitutional aspects of Montana's capital gains tax structure in a 2023 Supreme Court case. Authors of the Montana Tax Guide, distributed to over 2,000 accounting professionals annually.
Key practice areas
- Tax litigation
- Business restructuring
- Estate tax planning
- IRS dispute resolution
Best for
Technology companies, hospitality businesses, and out-of-state investors facing complex tax controversies or requiring strategic tax planning. Essential for businesses challenging state tax assessments or navigating federal tax disputes.
DML Law
DML Law maintains three offices across Helena, Kalispell, and Great Falls with 12 attorneys since 1995. The full-service firm handles real estate transactions, business formation, and employment law for agricultural producers, tourism operators, and healthcare providers. Notable achievements include representing the Montana Farmers Union in 2025 tariff litigation and negotiating tribal business agreements under the Indian Tribal Economic Development Act. Their real estate practice closed over $200 million in property transactions in 2024.
Notable facts
Closed over $200 million in real estate transactions in 2024, representing the highest volume among Montana-based firms. Successfully represented Montana Farmers Union in federal tariff litigation affecting agricultural exports. Negotiated multiple tribal-state business agreements facilitating cross-jurisdictional commerce.
Key practice areas
- Agricultural law
- Real estate transactions
- Employment compliance
- Tribal business law
Best for
Agricultural enterprises, tourism businesses, and healthcare organizations requiring comprehensive legal support across multiple practice areas. Ideal for businesses with statewide operations needing consistent representation across Montana's major economic centers.
Bennett Law Office PC
Bennett Law Office PC has operated as a boutique litigation firm in Butte since 1982 with 4 trial attorneys. The firm specializes in personal injury and workers' compensation cases, representing injured miners, construction workers, and transportation employees. They secured over $15 million in client settlements in 2024 and established precedent-setting rulings on occupational disease claims. Bennett attorneys teach trial advocacy at the University of Montana School of Law and received the Montana Trial Lawyers Association's Excellence in Advocacy Award in 2023.
Notable facts
Secured over $15 million in settlements for injured workers in 2024, the highest among Montana workers' compensation specialists. Established legal precedent in occupational disease claims under the Montana Occupational Disease Act. Faculty members at University of Montana School of Law's trial advocacy program.
Key practice areas
- Workplace injury litigation
- Wrongful death claims
- Workers' compensation appeals
- Product liability cases
Best for
Mining companies, construction firms, and transportation businesses seeking experienced representation in workplace injury matters. Critical for employers defending against complex occupational disease claims or businesses facing product liability litigation.
Valuation Legal
Valuation Legal combines legal expertise with certified valuation credentials from offices in Bozeman and Billings since 2010. The 6-attorney firm specializes in business appraisal disputes, divorce asset valuation, and estate planning conflicts for high-net-worth individuals and private equity firms. Their testifying expert model has been adopted in 22 complex commercial cases involving Montana's technology and natural resource sectors. The firm authored the Montana Business Valuation Standards reference manual used by courts statewide.
Notable facts
Only Montana firm combining legal representation with certified valuation expertise, providing integrated litigation support. Testifying expert model adopted in 22 complex commercial cases, establishing valuation precedents statewide. Authors of Montana Business Valuation Standards, the definitive reference for state courts.
Key practice areas
- Business valuation disputes
- Marital asset appraisal
- Estate valuation litigation
- Shareholder conflict resolution
Best for
Private equity firms, family-owned businesses, and high-net-worth individuals involved in valuation disputes. Essential for complex divorce proceedings involving business assets or shareholder conflicts requiring independent appraisal expertise.
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson operates as Montana's largest full-service firm with 25 attorneys across Missoula, Kalispell, and Helena since 1978. The firm handles complex litigation, natural resources law, and governmental affairs for municipal entities, healthcare systems, and national corporations. Notable engagements include defending constitutional challenges to education funding and representing tribal governments in federal water rights negotiations. They maintain U.S. News "Best Law Firm" rankings in 5 practice areas with over 1,000 annual pro bono hours.
Notable facts
Montana's largest full-service firm with 25 attorneys and the broadest geographic coverage. Defended state constitutional challenges affecting $1.2 billion in education funding. Only Montana firm with U.S. News "Best Law Firm" rankings across 5 distinct practice areas.
Key practice areas
- Constitutional law
- Healthcare regulation
- Environmental compliance
- Appellate litigation
Best for
Municipal governments, healthcare systems, and national corporations requiring sophisticated representation in high-stakes litigation. Ideal for complex constitutional matters, regulatory compliance challenges, or multi-jurisdictional disputes requiring extensive resources.
NSDS Law Firm
NSDS Law Firm maintains offices in Billings and Great Falls with 7 attorneys focused exclusively on Native American law since 2005. The firm represents tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and individual tribal members in jurisdiction matters and economic development projects. Key achievements include negotiating Montana's first tribal-state compact for online sports betting and securing federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Their attorneys teach at the University of Montana's Indian Law Clinic and received the National Native American Bar Association's Excellence Award in 2024.
Notable facts
Negotiated Montana's first tribal-state compact for online sports betting, opening new revenue streams for tribal governments. Instrumental in securing federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe after decades of advocacy. Only Montana firm exclusively dedicated to federal Indian law and tribal representation.
Key practice areas
- Federal Indian law
- Tribal governance
- Cultural resources protection
- Cross-jurisdictional litigation
Best for
Tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and businesses operating on or near reservation lands. Critical for companies navigating tribal-state jurisdictional issues or developing economic partnerships with tribal entities.
What to consider when choosing a firm in Montana
Montana's unique legal landscape requires evaluating firms beyond traditional metrics. Geographic coverage matters significantly—firms with multiple offices provide better accessibility for businesses operating statewide, while specialized boutiques in urban centers offer deeper expertise in niche areas. Consider jurisdictional complexity, particularly if your business intersects with tribal lands, as only select firms possess the specialized knowledge to navigate overlapping state, federal, and tribal regulations effectively.
Industry-specific experience proves critical given Montana's economic diversity. Agricultural businesses should prioritize firms demonstrating water rights expertise and agricultural cooperative representation. Energy companies need counsel familiar with both traditional extraction and renewable development regulations. Technology and service businesses should seek firms understanding Montana's evolving tax structures and interstate commerce implications.
Evaluate firm capacity against your anticipated needs. Larger firms like Garlington, Lohn & Robinson offer comprehensive services and deep bench strength for complex litigation, while specialized boutiques provide focused expertise at potentially lower costs. Request specific examples of similar client representations and outcomes. Verify Bar standings and recent case results through Montana's publicly accessible court records. Consider scheduling consultations with 2-3 firms to assess communication style, fee structures, and strategic approach alignment with your business objectives.
“When our teams need something, they usually need it right away. The more time we can save doing all those tedious tasks, the more time we can dedicate to supporting our student-athletes.”
Sarah Harris
Secretary, The University of Tennessee Athletics Foundation, Inc.
“Ramp had everything we were looking for, and even things we weren't looking for. The policy aspects, that's something I never even dreamed of that a purchasing card program could handle.”
Doug Volesky
Director of Finance, City of Mount Vernon
“Switching from Brex to Ramp wasn’t just a platform swap—it was a strategic upgrade that aligned with our mission to be agile, efficient, and financially savvy.”
Lily Liu
CEO, Piñata
“With Ramp, everything lives in one place. You can click into a vendor and see every transaction, invoice, and contract. That didn’t exist in Zip. It’s made approvals much faster because decision-makers aren’t chasing down information—they have it all at their fingertips.”
Ryan Williams
Manager, Contract and Vendor Management, Advisor360°
“The ability to create flexible parameters, such as allowing bookings up to 25% above market rate, has been really good for us. Plus, having all the information within the same platform is really valuable.”
Caroline Hill
Assistant Controller, Sana Benefits
“More vendors are allowing for discounts now, because they’re seeing the quick payment. That started with Ramp—getting everyone paid on time. We’ll get a 1-2% discount for paying early. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you’re dealing with hundreds of millions of dollars, it does add up.”
James Hardy
CFO, SAM Construction Group
“We’ve simplified our workflows while improving accuracy, and we are faster in closing with the help of automation. We could not have achieved this without the solutions Ramp brought to the table.”
Kaustubh Khandelwal
VP of Finance, Poshmark
“I was shocked at how easy it was to set up Ramp and get our end users to adopt it. Our prior procurement platform took six months to implement, and it was a lot of labor. Ramp was so easy it was almost scary.”
Michael Natsch
Procurement Manager, AIRCO
