Hello, I’m James, a fourth-generation Montanan offering compassionate and personalized legal services throughout western Montana. As a solo practitioner, you will always speak directly to me about your case. I understand that any legal issue—big or small—can be one of the most important, confusing, and stressful experiences of your life. I accordingly approach every case dedicated to educating and informing my clients about the legal process while achieving the best results possible.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in philosophy (2011) and law degree (2016) from the University of Montana. In law school, I: served the Montana Law Review for two years; clerked for Montana District Court Judge Russel Fagg in Billings for a summer; and completed my clinical experience representing indigent criminal defendants in Missoula. After law school, I clerked for United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon in Helena for one year. I then briefly served as a public defender in Helena before accepting my (then) dream job at Meyer, Shaffer & Stepans in Missoula, where for 6 years I represented individuals in Montana and Wyoming in civil areas such as oil field accidents, civil rights, sexual assaults, employment disputes, and contract disputes.
In September of 2024, I turned a new chapter in my career by opening my own solo practice based in Missoula. My practice uses cutting edge technology and modern business practices to eliminate the now unnecessary costs and inefficiencies of a traditional law firm; this allows me to provide high quality representation at lower rates to my clients. Contact Me today to learn more.
I am admitted to practice in Montana state courts, the Montana Federal District Court, the Montana Bankruptcy Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Wyoming state and federal courts (although my license is voluntarily inactive in Wyoming so I can focus on building my practice in Montana).
In my personal life, my hobbies include: mountain biking, gardening, snowboarding, renegade art, big game hunting, DJing, wood and metal working, gaming, cooking (Thai and Chinese especially), camping, and travel.