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
Position Opening: Litigation Associate Attorney
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 ...
Congratulations to Dean Stensland on his retirement
After 30 years practicing law with Boone Karlberg and volunteering his time in the Missoula community, Dean Stensland has set his sights on a well-deserved retirement.
2021 Edition of Best Lawyers in America - Boone Karlberg Attorneys Recognized
Boone Karlberg P.C. is proud to announce that 8 of our attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers In America.
Boone Karlberg's tradition of legal excellence stretches back for 74 years and will continue well into the future with the addition of our newest associate attorney Alison R. Potts.
Boone Karlberg is proud to highlight the article "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Charitable Giving Impact and Planning Strategies" published by our shareholder, Julie R. Sirrs.
Boone Karlberg's tradition of legal excellence stretches back for 73 years and will continue well into the future with the addition of our newest associate attorney Evan B. Coren.
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.
After 30 years practicing law with Boone Karlberg and volunteering his time in the Missoula community, Dean Stensland has set his sights on a well-deserved retirement.We have benefited from his outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence in all aspects of life. While never easy to bid farewell, we know Dean will not slow down or retire in the traditional sense but merely shift the focus of his considerable talents and boundless energy in pursuit of his other passions. Dean will be deeply missed, and we
wish him all the best as he takes on new challenges and adventures with his amazing wife, Kim, who is herself retiring from an impressive career of serving the community in nursing.We are grateful for everything Dean has accomplished. His work ethic and legacy will inspire us well into the future.
Boone Karlberg P.C. proudly announces the addition of our new Associate Attorney, Rebecca L. Stursberg.
Rebecca L. Stursberg 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. She attended the University of Montana School of Law, where she worked as an editor on the Montana Law Review, a teaching assistant, and a research assistant. After graduating with honors in 2019, Rebecca clerked for Justice Beth Baker of the Montana Supreme Court. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys hiking, skiing, biking, and cooking with her family and friends.
Boone Karlberg P.C. proudly announces the addition of our new Associate Attorney, William T. Casey III.
William T. Casey III 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 member of the National Trial Competition Team and the recipient of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award for Distinguished Achievement in Trial Advocacy. After law school, Will clerked for Judge Sam E. Haddon, United States District Court for the District of Montana. Will is an avid outdoorsman and spends his free time fly fishing, hunting, and skiing.
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 P.C. is proud to announce that 8 of our attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers In America®.
James A. Bowditch
Randy J. Cox
William L. Crowley
Matthew B. Hayhurst
Natasha P. Jones
Scott M. Stearns
Dean A. Stensland
Robert J. Sullivan
Cindy K. Thiel
Boone Karlberg’s tradition of legal excellence stretches back for 74 years and will continue well into the future with the addition of our newest associate attorney Alison R. Potts. 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 University. While in the joint JD-MBA program, Alison interned for a Missoula law firm, was a graduate student fellow at the Missoula Economic Partnership, and completed her clinical internship at the University of Montana Office of Legal Counsel. In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the trails of Montana hiking with her dogs or riding her horses, pushing herself outside of her comfort zone by learning to rock climb, and trying out new recipes in her kitchen.
Boone Karlberg is proud to highlight the article "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Charitable Giving Impact and Planning Strategies" published by our shareholder, Julie R. Sirrs. The article was published in a recent ABA publication Probate & Property.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is one of three nominees for the "Montana Firm of the Year" award with Benchmark Litigation. Benchmark Litigation is the definitive guide to the world's leading litigation law firms. The award will be given at the 2020 Annual Awards Gala in March. A shortlist of the West Coast nominees can be found at here.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is proud to introduce our newest partner and shareholder, Zach Franz. Zach studied journalism at the University of Montana, then covered the “cops and courts” beat for the Great Falls Tribune before returning to Missoula for law school. After law school, Zach served as a law clerk to the Hon. Keith Strong, federal magistrate judge. Zach married his wife, Allison, during the clerkship. They have two spirited daughters, Lily and Nora. Zach was a legal intern at Boone Karlberg during law school and returned to the firm as an associate in 2014. His practice focuses on litigation defense.
Boone Karlberg’s tradition of legal excellence stretches back for 73 years and will continue well into the future with the addition of our newest associate attorney Evan B. Coren. Evan’s practice is devoted primarily to business and real estate transactions, bankruptcy matters and commercial litigation. Evan graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago and earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2013. After law school, Evan joined a Philadelphia-based litigation boutique, where his practice focused on litigation involving financial institutions, real estate and bankruptcy trustees. Evan went on to clerk with the Honorable James J. Tancredi, United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, and later joined a large law firm, where he represented creditors and debtors in connection with bankruptcy reorganizations, liquidations and related transactions. Evan spends his free time on the trails and rivers of Montana with his wife, Clare, and their two rambunctious Australian Shepherds.
Randy J. Cox of Boone Karlberg P.C. has been admitted to membership in the International Society of Barristers (ISOB). Membership is attained by invitation extended only after a rigorous screening process that considers the lawyer’s ability, experience, accomplishments and ethical standards as assessed by trial lawyers and judges in jurisdictions in which the lawyer has practiced. ISOB members mutually support common goals – safeguarding the right to trial by jury, improving advocacy, recognizing courtroom advocacy as a specialty, encouraging and promoting ethical conduct in litigation and protecting the rights of citizens in the judicial process. Randy has advocated on behalf of clients in a wide range of legal areas in state and federal courts across Montana. In addition, he has been devoted to teaching trial advocacy through trial colleges in Montana and Texas, coaching the University of Montana Law School trial competition teams and teaching at dozens of legal education programs in Montana, California, Utah, Idaho, Kansas and Quebec, Canada. Randy will be formally inducted to ISOB in March, 2020, in South Carolina.
Boone Karlberg P.C. is pleased to announce three of our attorneys received the 2020 Lawyer of the Year awards through Best Lawyers.
Matt Hayhurst, 2020 Lawyer of the Year award for his work in Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Dean Stensland, 2020 Lawyer of the Year award for his work in Litigation - Real Estate
Bob Sullivan, 2020 Lawyer of the Year for his work in Litigation - Banking and Finance
Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a "Lawyer of the Year" award.
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Ross graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in May 1987. He worked in San Francisco for 10 years before moving to Missoula in 1997 and joining Boone Karlberg in 1998. His primary emphasis has been in personal injury litigation, insurance coverage ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Evan graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago and earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2013. After law school, Evan joined a Philadelphia-based litigation boutique, where his practice focused on litigation involving financial institutions, real estate and bankruptcy trustees. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
