Frequently Asked Questions
Information Center


What if I can't afford a lawyer?





How do I know if an attorney is licensed to practice?

  • Attorneys must be licensed as "Active" to practice in each State. To verify "Active" status please contact your State Bar.
For information on Montana Attorney Status, contact:
State Bar of Montana
(406) 442-7660




I found out my attorney isn't licensed to practice, now what?





My attorney and I are in a fee dispute, what do I do?


  • It is the policy of the Supreme Court of Montana to encourage the informal resolution of fee disputes between attorneys who practice law in Montana and their clients. In the event such informal resolution cannot be achieved, the Supreme Court of Montana established adoption of Rules on Arbitration of Fee Disputes.
  • Any disputed amount of $500 or more may be arbitrated. If only a portion of a fee and/ or costs is disputed, that portion must be at least $500.
  • Please visit the State Bar of Montana's fee arbitration page for more information on client guidelines, Arbitration Agreement, and Petitions for Arbitration.




How do I make a complaint against a Montana attorney?


Office of Disciplinary Counsel
PO Box 1099
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 442-1648




How do I make a complaint against a Montana Judge?





Please see these additional resources at www.montanabar.org:




The Montana Lawyer Referral and Information Service is not a directory of the State Bar of Montana's members.
Montana Lawyer Referral Service is a directory provided by the State Bar of Montana to assist its members and the public in locating an attorney. All lawyers listed in Montana Lawyer Referral Service are members of the State Bar of Montana. The State Bar of Montana does not recommend or endorse the services of those listed, nor does the omission of others from this directory imply a negative assessment, or any evaluation or recommendation whatsoever. Nothing in this Montana Lawyer Referral Service directory should be relied upon as legal advice. The information on these pages has been supplied by the persons and firms listed, and the State Bar of Montana has not reviewed, investigated, or evaluated the accuracy or completeness of the information, or qualifications or competency of those listed. The State Bar of Montana, and its members, and employees hereby disclaim any responsibility or liability claimed to have arisen from reliance upon the information contained in the Montana Montana Lawyer Referral Service directory.

Neither the State Bar of Montana nor any agency of the State Bar has certified any lawyer identified here as a specialist or as an expert.