Best Civil Lawyer in Montana
William E. Rideg
Civil Lawyer
By delivering thoughtful, compassionate legal representation, William E. Rideg helps clients through the difficult times in their lives. He carefully explains complex legal concepts in plain English, helping clients shape critical decisions that will have a great affect on the outcome of their case.William is also a skilled mediator, who offers alternative dispute resolution to complex issues, or if need be, provides aggressive representation for clients at trial or on appeal.
Education and Experience
William completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Montana, earning a Bachelor’s of Science, as well as a Master’s of science degree. William studied law and graduated from the University of Montana School of Law, and is a proud member of the Montana State Bar Association, the Western Montana Bar Association, and the Montana Trial Lawyers Association.William also serves on the Board of several Missoula area organizations, including Animeals, The Humane Society of Western Montana Legislative Committee, Footloose Montana, and The Nine Mile Wildlife Workgroup. William opened Rideg Law Office in 2011 in Missoula to serve the needs of Missoula area residents.
Practice Areas
Attorney William E. Rideg is a Missoula lawyer who offers comprehensive and trustworthy legal representation throughout the Western Montana area, and maintains a law office in Missoula. He provides legal services in matters concerning business/employment law, family law, animal law, and personal injury.
Jared Frickle
Civil Lawyer
Jared was born and raised in Montana and has a deep-rooted love for the Big Sky County and its people. He was born in Lewistown and grew up in Billings, attending public schools in the area. He graduated from MSU-Billings with a degree in sociology and a minor in political science. Afterwards, he opted to follow in his father’s footsteps and went on to obtain his law degree from the University of Montana.
Following graduation, Jared returned to Billings to clerk for the Honorable Gregory R. Todd in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District Court. Over the last decade, Jared has gained invaluable experience as an attorney for several high-profile litigation firms. In 2015, he joined the Yellowstone Area Bar Association as a board member and served in this position for four years. In 2019 he became president of the Association. To date, he is still active in the local legal community and is always willing to lend an ear to anyone who has a legal question or issue.
Having been an attorney for more than a decade, Jared has extensive personal injury experience in many types of cases – from everyday fender benders to catastrophic injuries and tragic wrongful deaths. Jared is passionate about assisting members of his community and enjoys helping clients with their respective cases during their time of need.
CJ Cook
Civil Lawyer
Born in Buffalo, NY, CJ initially chose law school as a “good background for business.” Never realizing that his passion for entrepreneurship would collide with his love for law, he has pursued every opportunity available to him that has allowed him to practice either (or both). From founding a prominent music festival in New York, to establishing a real estate investment firm in Montana, CJ has grasped every opportunity to charge forward in the business world while maintaining his love for the law. Now settled in Bozeman, MT he is excited to see where these next chapters bring him as he serves the greater Gallatin Valley and their family and business law needs.
Even before entering the practice of law, CJ Cook developed a passion for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through selective studies in law school, he found himself honing in on this newly discovered passion by attending Alternative Dispute Resolution trainings in Vienna and Paris, and placing in negotiation competitions at both. Realizing there was an “us vs them” mentality found in the legal system, he wanted to remove himself from the “game” and facilitate the “why” behind “what” in today’s disputes and transactions. Subsequent mediation training, and practice as a divorce and business attorney led CJ to advocate for the “why” and get down to the fundamentals of the clients needs and abolish the “game” that is often found in litigation and transactional law.
John C. Schulte
Civil Lawyer
Born in Cleveland on January 19, 1950, Jock attended The Ohio State University and Lake Erie College where he received his B.S. in American Studies in 1972. After graduating, Jock moved to Missoula and was a fifth grade teacher at Victor and a fifth through eighth grade teacher at Target Range School.
In 1983, Jock began law school at the University of Montana. Upon graduation in 1985, with honors, Jock was admitted to the State Bar of Montana and began his practice as a lawyer. Several years later he founded Schulte Law Firm with the goal of bringing justice to Montanans through a superior work ethic and expert legal advocacy.
Awards and Honors
- Martindale Hubble AV Preeminent Rated
- National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
- Super Lawyers – 2012
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Top Lawyers of the Mountain States
- State Bar of Montana – Distinguished Service Award
- Wall Street Journal Award, 1994
- Instructor in Business Law, University of Montana, 1987
Professional and Civic Activities
- American Bar Association – Past Board of Governors
- Top Lawyers of the Mountain States
- State Bar of Montana – Past President, Past Chair of Board, Past Board of Trustees
- Western Montana Bar Association – Past President
- American Bar Association – Member
- State Bar of Montana – Member
- Western Montana Bar Association – Member
- Montana Trial Lawyers Association – Member
- Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association – Member
- Western Montana Estate Planning Council – Member
LON J. DALE
Civil Lawyer
Lon has engaged in an active civil litigation practice representing plaintiffs, defendants , individuals, businesses, and insurance companies for over 45 years. The result is a significant variety of judicial decisions at both the trial and appellate level. Lon has been lead counsel in more than 40 jury cases tried to verdict, and participated as lead counsel of record in more than 50 cases decided by Montana’s Supreme Court. Although appellate oral argument before the Montana Supreme Court is discretionary and relatively rare (about 2% of cases filed), over the span of four decades, Lon has orally argued more than 20 appellate cases. Some of Lon’s notable reported appellate cases are set forth in his “Representative Cases” section, including the often nationally cited Oliver v. Stimson decision that established a common law tort remedy in Montana for spoliation of evidence. Litigation, albeit at trial by presentation of evidence and witness testimony, or navigating through the extensive technicalities presented by appellate rules and procedures, requires attention to details while advising and assisting clients with understanding the intricacies of judicial processes. The Firm’s team approach utilizing devoted attorneys and paralegal professionals has well served the needs of the Firm’s many clients. For over 30 years, Lon has worked with a talented and caring paralegal, Annabelle (AB) Blade, in a dedicated and focused representation of the Firm’s clients. The Firm believes in and practices the importance of long-term relationships with both clients and staff, many of whom have received or provided professional services spanning decades.
Lon was raised in Teton County where his parents were farmers, carrying on a family tradition of his Norwegian paternal grandparents and Swedish maternal grandparents, both of whom were homesteaders in North Central Montana. Lon spent his adolescent years assisting his parents with their farm operations. Today, Lon and wife Pam own and lease out his paternal grandparents’ land holdings. After graduation from Choteau High School, Lon matriculated to the University of Montana, graduating with a degree in Political Science and History. Lon was then commissioned in the U.S. Army through the University’s ROTC program and ultimately separated with a rank of Captain. Having been admitted to University of Montana School of Law, Lon was employed summers during law school as a Forest Service smokejumper. In 1970, Lon and Pam Close of Spokane were married and are fortunate to live and raise their family in Missoula where Pam was a high school teacher, retiring after 34 years of service. The Dales are blessed with two sons, Kyle and Blane who also now reside in Missoula with their own families
Dan Flaherty
Civil Lawyer
Dan Flaherty is the son of Patrick Flaherty. He joined the firm in 2010 after graduating from The University of Montana School of Law. Dan was born and raised in Great Falls. Before law school, he attended Montana State University and graduated with a B.S. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in 3 years. During his time at MSU, he spent his semesters in labs researching and analyzing data while earning his pre-med diploma.
Dan is proud of his Montana background and his experience in Montana. From a young age, he took on a variety of jobs. Dan has worked as a mechanic on heavy equipment, operated his own roofing business, worked for medical providers, and interned at the University of Montana – General Legal Counsel’s office and Office of Technology Transfer for the Vice President. Dan’s focus is on personal injury, family law, and medical malpractice.
The diverse work experience has given Dan unique perspectives that aid in his ability to serve his clients. His combined medical background and legal experience has helped him obtain millions of dollars in settlements for his injured clients since 2011.
Dan is happily married to his wife Julie (Vlasie) Flaherty, BSN, RN, CLC. The two met when they were in middle school and have been inseparable ever since. Their sons, Finn, Henry, and William are their greatest joys. Julie is a registered nurse, certified lactation consultant, and has graduate coursework in psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. Julie often works closely with Dan to provide personalized care to clients and their cases and is instrumental in reviewing medical issues and assisting in developing their case from intake to trial.
Charlie Cromwell
Civil Lawyer
Charlie grew up in Missoula, Montana. After graduating from Hellgate High School, he attended Harvard University. While in college, he was an ROTC cadet and a 2-sport Division I varsity athlete in both swimming and water polo. After graduating cum laude in American History, Charlie received his commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. His 4-year active duty service included a 13-month combat tour in Iraq. While in the field, Charlie was put in numerous positions that required strong leadership, quick-thinking, and sound judgment. These positions ranged from leading his armored platoon during combat, to overseeing his base’s perimeter security and quick reaction force, to negotiating multi-million dollar contracts with international firms and Iraqi businessmen on behalf of the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his active duty service, Charlie transferred into the Army Reserves and returned to his hometown to pursue simultaneous graduate degrees in Law and Public Administration at the University of Montana.
After graduating from law school in 2009, he worked as a legislative fellow in the U.S. Senate where he focused on veteran and defense policy. His time in D.C. included helping draft and pass legislation mandating face-to-face PTSD and TBI screenings before and after deployments and legislation involving veteran unemployment. From 2010-2012, he worked as in-house counsel for a startup technology company. He also began taking cases at Cromwell Law in 2011, and has advised companies as both contract in-house and outside counsel. Charlie currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps and has previously argued before the military’s highest criminal court of appeals as amicus curiae. He practices in the areas of business law and entity formation, commercial transactions, copyright and trademark, estate planning, administrative law, consumer protection, landlord-tenant, and military and veterans’ law.
Molly K. Howard
Civil Lawyer
Molly Howard was born in Missoula, Montana. She was admitted to practice in Montana and U.S. District Courts, District of Montana (2003).
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Family Law, Social Security, Insurance, General Practice and Criminal Law.
Memberships and Activities
Molly is a member of the State Bar of Montana; Montana Trial Lawyers Association; American Bar Association; American Trial Lawyers Association. She achieved the highest legal rating “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell, a national publication rating attorneys upon evaluations by other attorneys and judges. She is a former insurance claims representative with extensive experience in the personal injury arena. Molly participated in drafting the model Family Law Handbook. Molly also serves on several local boards involving child and elder law issues.
Education
University of Montana (B.A., Psychology, 1991; J.D., 2003), CEFA and Elder Law, 2002. Recipient of the Excellence for the Future Award, Professional Responsibility in 2003, and the Carol Mitchell Award, 2003.
Having the best civil lawyer in Montana is crucial for various reasons, as they play a critical role in ensuring justice and protecting your rights in civil legal matters. Here are some of the reasons why having a top-notch civil lawyer is essential:
Expertise in Montana laws: Laws can vary significantly from one state to another, and Montana has its unique set of civil laws and regulations. A skilled civil lawyer in Montana will be well-versed in state-specific laws, ensuring they can navigate the legal system effectively on your behalf.
Complex legal procedures: Civil cases can involve complicated legal procedures, which can be overwhelming for individuals unfamiliar with the legal system. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.
Protection of rights and interests: Whether you’re involved in a dispute, contract disagreement, property issue, or any other civil matter, a proficient civil lawyer will fight to protect your rights and interests. They will advocate for you and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
Negotiation and settlement: A skilled civil lawyer can negotiate with opposing parties or their lawyers to reach a favorable settlement. This can save time, money, and emotional stress that might arise from a lengthy court battle.
Court representation: If your case goes to trial, having the best civil lawyer in Montana will be invaluable. They will present your case effectively in court, providing strong arguments and supporting evidence to increase your chances of success.
Evidence gathering and witnesses: A proficient civil lawyer will know how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claims or defense.
Legal strategy and advice: Civil lawyers can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, providing you with honest advice on the best legal strategy to pursue. They can help you understand the potential risks and rewards of different approaches.
Stress relief: Dealing with legal matters can be incredibly stressful, especially if you don’t have legal expertise. Hiring a skilled civil lawyer allows you to offload the legal burden onto a professional, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on other aspects of your life.
Remember that the “best” civil lawyer for you may not be the same as the best lawyer for someone else. It’s essential to find a lawyer who specializes in the relevant area of civil law and has a successful track record in handling cases similar to yours. Recommendations, online reviews, and initial consultations can be helpful in finding the right lawyer for your specific needs.