Boone Karlberg is a proven
and trusted firm with respect
from its peers and community.
Boone Karlberg Attorneys at Law
Our number one goal is to advocate
for and achieve the best possible
resolution for each client.
Boone Karlberg P.C. Attorneys at Law
We are committed to delivering the best attainable outcome through assertive, principled advocacy.
Boone Karlberg provides a wide range of practice areas. The firm's attorneys are recognized as superior by national publications and have the respect of their peers. Communicating, educating, and offering peace of mind, our attorneys take ownership of clients' legal matters. Using responsive and collaborative teamwork, we provide high-level service while building client relationships through an objective, ethical approach to resolving legal matters.
Boone Karlberg News
Congratulations to Ross Tillman on his retirement
After 34 years of serving in the legal field and 23 years of partnership
with Boone Karlberg P.C., Ross Tillman is retiring from the practice
of law.
We are seeking qualified candidates for a Litigation Associate Attorney. The position involves working alongside our experienced attorneys to represent the firm’s clients in civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts. Qualified candidates must have outstanding analytical and ...
We are seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Litigation Paralegal. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task. Must also possess strong interpersonal, administrative and organizational skills and be able to work ...
After 34 years of serving in the legal field and 23 years of partnership with Boone Karlberg P.C., Ross Tillman is retiring from the practice of law. Throughout his career, Ross has focused on personal injury litigation, insurance coverage evaluation and litigation, insurance bad faith litigation, and defamation work. In addition to his law practice, Ross has served in the local community as a member of the board of directors for Montana Food Bank Network, volunteered his time at the Missoula Humane Society, and is a licensed foster care provider. Ross also held membership positions within legal organizations such as Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association and Defense Research Institute. It is never easy to bid farewell. Ross will be deeply missed, and we wish him all the best along with his wife Marta Pierpoint and his two children Matthew Tillman and Rachel Tillman. We are grateful for Ross’s many accomplishments and his legacy, work ethic, and passion will continue to inspire us well into the future.
A Cascade County judge granted Boone Karlberg’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a private landowner against the City of Great Falls. The landowner sought compensation for the City’s denial of a request to annex property just outside City limits, which the landowner hoped to develop with the benefit of City zoning and services. The landowner sought over $4 million from the City of Great Falls.
Attorneys Zach Franz, Natasha Prinzing Jones, and Evan Coren represented the City of Great Falls.
In a summary judgment motion, Boone Karlberg noted that Montana law gives cities and towns discretion to grant or deny a request for annexation. In this case, the City’s denial of the annexation did not change the property owner’s existing rights or the historical use of the property. Relying on case law from the United States Supreme Court and the Montana Supreme Court, Boone Karlberg argued that denial of annexation is not a “taking” within the meaning of the law. After written briefs and oral argument, the District Court judge agreed and dismissed the lawsuit.
We are proud to have represented the City of Great Falls and are pleased with another favorable outcome for Boone Karlberg’s client. Read the full Order here.
Boone Karlberg proudly announces the addition of Cynthia L. Walker, our new Of Counsel Attorney,
Cindy grew up in Butte and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montana in 1990, where she majored in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration. She received her Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from the University of Montana School of Law in 1999. During law school, Cindy was an editor of the Montana Law Review and a teaching assistant for the law school’s legal research and writing program. From August 1999 through July 2000, Cindy clerked for Justice Jim Regnier at the Montana Supreme Court in Helena. Following her clerkship, Cindy was employed as an associate attorney with the Missoula law firm of Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C., for approximately two years and then as an associate attorney in the Missoula office of Church, Harris, Johnson & Williams, P.C., for approximately four years, before returning to Butte in February 2006 and joining the firm of Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is proud to acknowledge shareholders who were selected for recognition of professional excellence by Best Lawyers In America. We congratulate them on receiving these awards.
Randy J. Cox - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America® in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Insurance, Mediation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants and Railroad Law.
William C. Crowley - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America® in the areas of Civil Rights Law, Litigation - Municipal, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs.
Zach Franz - recognized in the Second Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, and Litigation - Construction.
Natasha P. Jones - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America® in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Railroad Law.
Robert J. Sullivan - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America® in the areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Labor Law - Union, Litigation - Banking and Finance, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Real Estate, and Real Estate Law.
Bob Sullivan is also a recipient of the 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" award for his work in Litigation - Banking and Finance in Missoula. One lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a "Lawyer of the Year" award.
Cindy K. Thiel - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America®in the areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation.
Ross Tillman - recognized in 28th edition of The Best Lawyers In America® in the areas of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is proud to recognize five attorneys selected for inclusion in the 2021 Mountain States Super Lawyers publication. Of these, Natash P. Jones was one of five attorneys selected for the Top 50: 2021 Women Mountain States Super Lawyers division. Randy Cox was selected for the Top 100 2021 Mountain States Lawyers.
Randy Cox - Top 100: 2021 Mountain States Lawyers, Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorneys
Natasha P. Jones - Top 50: 2021 Women Mountain States Super Lawyers, one of 5 Montana lawyers, Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorneys
William C. Crowley - Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorney, Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorneys
Matthew B. Hayhurst - Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorneys
Ross D. Tillman - Top Rated Insurance Coverage Attorneys
We are seeking qualified candidates for a Litigation Associate Attorney. The position involves working alongside our experienced attorneys to represent the firm’s clients in civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts. Qualified candidates must have outstanding analytical and writing skills, a strong work ethic and dedication to exceptional client service. Candidates must possess knowledge of Montana law and be admitted to practice in Montana by September 2021.
We are seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Litigation Paralegal. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task. Must also possess strong interpersonal, administrative and organizational skills and be able to work independently, as well as part of a team. Candidate should have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be proficient with Microsoft including Office Suite and law firm timekeeping software (firm uses Orion). Prior experience is preferred.
In celebration of 75 years of serving our clients and community, Boone Karlberg P.C. honors the legacy of trusted leadership and professional excellence established first in 1946 by founders Russell E. Smith, William T. Boone, and Jack W. Rimel.
For more information about our firm's history and community presence, please visit our Firm page.
Through ranking tables and editorial commentary, Chambers and Partners provides recommendations to assist people with making informed decisions when selecting legal counsel.
Five of our Boone Karlberg shareholders have received individual recognition in recent Chambers and Partners publications:
James Bowditch is a well-respected practitioner who advises individuals and corporate entities on real estate transactions. He is highly sought after by buy-side clients.
James Bowditch maintains a broad practice, with deal experience ranging from corporate transactions to matters related to real estate. He also has experience in business formation.
Randy Cox maintains his position at the forefront of the litigation market, with clients benefiting from his longstanding experience in commercial disputes. He also counsels clients on appellate matters, having advised on cases before the Ninth Circuit and the Montana Supreme Court.
Matthew Hayhurst enjoys an excellent reputation for his abilities in complex commercial disputes, including relating to insurance matters.
"He is an excellent lawyer; he is very knowledgeable and he is a very good communicator." "He is very experienced, very competent and highly respected."
Natasha Prinzing Jones continues to excel in high-stakes trial work, with clients seeking out her excellent courtroom advocacy skills. Her wide-ranging practice often sees her take on cases involving product liability claims and insurance coverage matters, among others.
Julie Sirrs in Missoula handles estate planning, trust administration and probate, including contentious matters. She also advises on elder law, tax issues and charitable plans.
A Gallatin County judge granted Boone Karlberg's motion to dismiss all claims against a Belgrade daycare in regard to an infant’s alleged head injury.
Attorneys Ross Tillman and Zach Franz filed the motion on behalf of the daycare and its owners, whom the plaintiffs alleged were responsible for a 4-month old's subdural bleeding. Tillman and Franz took the depositions of 10 witnesses, including treating doctors, law enforcement officers, and state daycare licensors. Their investigation demonstrated a lack of evidence that the daycare caused the child's medical condition, and established the condition may have arisen naturally.
In their summary judgment motion, Tillman and Franz argued the plaintiffs had not met the legal burden necessary to support their claims. After written briefs and an in-person hearing, the District Court judge agreed.
We are proud to have represented the defendants in this case and are pleased with the favorable outcome. Read the full Order here.
Boone Karlberg P.C. received Tier 1 regional rankings in the following areas in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report:
Commerical Litigation
Corporate Law
Employment Law - Individuals
Employment Law - Management
Family Law
Litigation - Banking & Finance
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Labor & Employment
Litigation - Real Estate
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Real Estate Law
For a complete list of rankings, please visit the report here.
We are pleased to announce that five attoneys with Boone Karlberg P.C. are recognized in the 2021 edition of Benchmark Litigation:
Randy Cox - Local Litigation Star
William Crowley - Local Litigation Star
Matt Hayhurst - Local Litigation Star
Natasha Jones - Local Litigation Star
Scott Stearns - Future Star
Boone Karlberg Practice Areas
Boone Karlberg is a full-service law firm with more than a century of combined legal experience and expertise. We are a leader in providing legal services to clients of all sizes – from large corporations to the individual client. The firm is known for its consistent and successful work across all of its practice areas. Whether a client intends to fully litigate a claim through trial or simply needs legal advice, our attorneys have the experience to accomplish those goals.
Boone Karlberg’s litigation group provides a broad range of legal services to individuals and to business, government, insurance, and banking clients across the state. This group also has ...
Boone Karlberg’s litigation group provides a broad range of legal services to individuals and to business, government, insurance, and banking clients across the state. This group also has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, product liability claims, employment and labor law, insurance coverage and defense, personal injury matters, property and construction disputes, railroad litigation and protection of creditors’ rights in bankruptcy. Our litigators are admitted to practice in state and federal courts and have extensive experience at both the trial court and appellate court levels, including major cases in the Montana Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Boone Karlberg represents clients in mediations and arbitrations and acts as mediators and arbitrators of others’ disputes. Our litigation attorneys and litigation support staff strive to represent the client’s interest aggressively, while emphasizing practical and economical approaches to dispute resolution.
Boone Karlberg and our litigation attorneys recently received accolades in Chambers and Partners USA as a team "known for high-class practice that is highly reputed for a spectrum of contentious expertise, which incorporates railroad litigation, civil rights claims, and insurance issues. Regularly engaged on behalf of insurers, government entities and banks, and has experience before both the state and federal courts."
Boone Karlberg’s insurance law practice is multifaceted and serves a wide array of clients, from some of the nation’s leading insurance carriers to individuals and businesses making ...
Boone Karlberg’s insurance law practice is multifaceted and serves a wide array of clients, from some of the nation’s leading insurance carriers to individuals and businesses making insurance claims. The firm is routinely engaged by insurance companies to defend insureds in civil litigation.
Our attorneys are known for a very proactive, yet cost-efficient, approach to litigation. They have extensive experience in the courtroom, both at the trial and appellate levels. Boone Karlberg also provides clients with pre-litigation coverage advice and assists with claims handling negotiation and settlement of claims.
A number of prominent insurance carriers regularly seek Boone Karlberg’s counsel on complex coverage issues, including bad faith matters. The attorneys in this area have a breadth of experience in the personal lines and commercial insurance realms. The firm frequently prosecutes and defends declaratory judgment actions in both state and federal courts on a broad range of coverage disputes.
Boone Karlberg’s estate planning and probate attorneys emphasize their services in estate and gift tax oriented structures, family business succession planning and general family plans, ...
Boone Karlberg’s estate planning and probate attorneys emphasize their services in estate and gift tax oriented structures, family business succession planning and general family plans, including the use of wills, trusts (revocable and irrevocable), durable powers of attorney, living wills, and family limited partnerships. Asset protection also is a focus of this practice, including the use of trusts, limited partnerships and business entities.
Tax practitioners at Boone Karlberg offer clients assistance in federal, state, and local taxation, including the evaluation of the tax impact of investments and transactions, the creation of techniques and plans for minimizing taxes, and the negotiation and litigation of disputes with taxing authorities. Boone Karlberg has significant experience in the structuring and financing of federal income tax driven real estate developments.
In the probate area, Boone Karlberg assists personal representatives in working with the courts and administering and distributing the estate. These attorneys work to ensure that all necessary reports are filed and that all applicable estate taxes are paid in an orderly fashion.
For many years, Boone Karlberg has provided legal services for local and Western Montana banks, businesses and individuals in commercial matters. The services range from routine business matters to ...
For many years, Boone Karlberg has provided legal services for local and Western Montana banks, businesses and individuals in commercial matters. The services range from routine business matters to complex litigation.
These lawyers also engage in a general business practice, specializing in the organization of corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, and the acquisition of business assets. They arrange sales of business assets and the liquidation of corporations and partnerships. The attorneys also assist in reorganization of business interests, asset protection techniques, and arrangements for extending credit.
As part of its commercial practice, Boone Karlberg provides employment and human resources advice to businesses and individuals. Additionally, the attorneys represent businesses in administrative proceedings and in litigation.
Boone Karlberg also has extensive experience providing legal advice and litigation services to banking institutions regarding commercial, consumer and real estate finance and security interest issues—including drafting loan and security documents, judicial foreclosures, trustee sales and contract for deed defaults—as well as escrow issues.
Boone Karlberg and our commercial and banking attorneys recently received accolades from Chambers and Partners USA: "This Missoula-based firm is active in the full range of commercial law matters. The team is retained by a broad client base, including leading banks and businesses."
Boone Karlberg attorneys have years of experience in the area of creditors’ rights as they relate to bankruptcy filings by enforcement of loans, negotiating workouts and forbearance agreements, ...
Boone Karlberg attorneys have years of experience in the area of creditors’ rights as they relate to bankruptcy filings by enforcement of loans, negotiating workouts and forbearance agreements, and generally acting to protect creditors’ rights in connection with insolvent debtors. We have represented companies and others in complex restructurings, out-of-court workouts, Chapter 11 cases, and litigation matters that arise in many bankruptcy cases.
Boone Karlberg’s real estate lawyers are experienced in transactional arrangements and closings. We have handled real estate matters ranging from large ranch to residential transactions. We are ...
Boone Karlberg’s real estate lawyers are experienced in transactional arrangements and closings. We have handled real estate matters ranging from large ranch to residential transactions. We are involved in commercial and private lending, and mortgage and investment banking. We work on local and multistate secured financing, as well as title and land damage litigation, and collections through judicial and nonjudicial foreclosures.
Boone Karlberg and our attorneys recently received accolades from Chambers and Partners USA: "This team is known for being respected housing practitioners with experience handling an array of real estate mandates. In demand for its expertise on purchase, sale and lease transactions, as well as on financing and mortgages, enacted on behalf of clients from the real estate, healthcare, and financial sectors."
Boone Karlberg's elder law attorneys are experienced in dealing with numerous issues specific to the elderly and disabled, including conservatorships, guardianships, special needs trusts, asset ...
Boone Karlberg's elder law attorneys are experienced in dealing with numerous issues specific to the elderly and disabled, including conservatorships, guardianships, special needs trusts, asset protection planning, and Medicaid qualification. They have also represented individual and institutional clients in matters regarding elder abuse and exploitation as well as mental capacity issues.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is in the business of advocating for and achieving the best possible legal outcome for each client. For those with legal needs, Boone Karlberg strives to deliver superior outcomes through fair-minded, committed advocacy on a range of legal matters.
Our Attorneys
At Boone Karlberg, we take pride in doing the things that matter. The things that build client confidence. The things that build trust and help clients achieve their goals. We realize that many attorneys can simply handle your legal needs, but at Boone Karlberg, we take ownership of our clients legal issues and are focused on obtaining the best client results. With vast areas of expertise, our attorneys work as a collaborative team to ensure an effective and agreeable solution.
Thomas H. Boone
Tom is a native of Missoula, Montana, and has practiced law since 1966 with Boone Karlberg (founded by his father William T. Boone). In addition to practicing law, Tom has been a guest lecturer at The University of Montana School of Law and has co-authored two books, "Law for Physical Educators and ...
Jaymie was born in Tarrytown, New York, but spent the majority of his childhood in Minnesota. He moved to Bozeman, Montana, in 1985 to attend Montana State University. Upon graduation, he moved to Denver, to work for Chatfield Dean investment bankers. He returned to ...
Will was born and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the 2011 National Championship baseball team. Will attended law school at the University of Montana, graduating with honors in 2019. During law school, he was a ...
Randy was raised on a cattle ranch on the Smith River in west-central Montana. He joined Boone Karlberg in the fall of 1981 after two years as a federal court law clerk. Randy has tried dozens of civil jury cases to verdict in state and federal courts across Montana. In ...
Bill was born and raised in Billings, Montana, and joined the firm now known as Boone Karlberg in 1980. Bill has more than 30 years of experience in trial work involving a variety of types of cases and has tried cases in both the state and federal courts in Montana. ...
Chris was born and raised in the Mission Valley. After graduating from Ronan High School, he attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He then made his way to Missoula to attend law school at the University of Montana. While in law school, Chris was an editor for the ...
Zach earned a bachelor degree from the University of Montana School of Journalism, where he earned national recognition for published work, before graduating with honors. Zach returned to the University of Montana for his legal education, and graduated from UM ...
Tracey is a native Montanan, born and raised in Butte. After graduating from Montana State University in Bozeman, Tracey moved to Missoula to attend law school at the University of Montana. While in law school, she married her husband Will and they have two ...
Natasha, a Montana native, graduated with honors from The University of Montana School of Law in 2000. While in law school, Natasha was a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association Trial Team, which placed first at the regional competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, ...
Tom was born in Butte, America, and grew up in Seeley Lake, Montana. In 1990, Tom traveled to Moscow, Russia, as part of one of the first exchange programs between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Tom remained in Russia for the next 10 years attending ...
Alison is a 2019 graduate of the University of Montana where she graduated with her JD and MBA. Alison’s practice focuses primarily on family law, but also includes business, real property, and estate planning. Alison was raised on the Connecticut shoreline but moved to Montana to attend Montana State ...
Julie received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Prior to becoming an attorney Julie was an intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Julie graduated with high honors from law school at The University ...
Scott was born in Missoula and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. After receiving his law degree from The University of Montana School of Law, he worked in the Missoula County Attorney’s Office as a Deputy County Attorney and also served in the Montana ...
Tyler is a 2016 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. During law school, he was an editor for the Montana Law Review, a member of the Moot Court Team, and a teaching assistant. After law school, Tyler clerked for Justice Jim Rice, Montana Supreme Court, and Judge N. Randy Smith, United States ...
Rebecca was born and raised in New York City. She attended college at the University of Michigan, where she earned a B.A. in English Literature in 2010. Following a cross-country road trip, Rebecca ended up in Missoula, fell in love with the community and life in the Rocky Mountain west, and decided to stay. ...
Bob was born and raised in Butte and has practiced law in Missoula since 1980. Prior to entering private practice, Bob worked for four years as a county prosecutor with the Missoula County Attorney’s Office where he gained extensive courtroom and trial experience. ...
Cindy was raised in the central Montana community of Lewistown and graduated from high school in Helena. She began working for Boone Karlberg in 1994 and her practice is focused principally in the area of family law. Cindy is well respected for conducting settlement ...
Cindy grew up in Butte and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montana in 1990, where she majored in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration. Cindy received her Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from the University of Montana School of Law in 1999. ...
