Atty. James A. Patten
Part-time Instructor, Business Law, Rocky Mountain College, 1987-1992. Member, Board of Trustees, Montana Legal Services Association, 1982—.
Bankruptcy & More Attorney · Serving Billings, MT · 48+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James A. Patten at a Glance
James A. Patten is a Member based in Billings, Montana, practicing at Patten, Peterman, Bekkedahl & Green, P.L.L.C.. They have 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Their practice focuses on business, bankruptcy, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Montana (1978), U.S. District Court, District of Montana (1978), U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1979), and U.S. Supreme Court (1983). Educated at George Washington University (J.D., 1978) and University of Montana (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Chairman, Bankruptcy Section, 1994-1995, State Bar of Montana. Serves clients in Billings, MT and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James A. Patten
- Part-time Instructor, Business Law, Rocky Mountain College, 1987-1992
- Member, Board of Trustees, Montana Legal Services Association, 1982—
- Standing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee, 1988-1993
- Member, Local Rules Committee, Montana Bankruptcy Court
- Bankruptcy Court Lawyer Representative, Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, 2005-2008
- Mountain States Super Lawyer, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Best Lawyers in America (Bankruptcy, Debtor/Credit Rights)
Practice Areas Explained
James A. Patten's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James A. Patten handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Billings.
Business & Corporate Law in Billings
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
James A. Patten is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Montana →
Bankruptcy & Debt in Billings
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
James A. Patten is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Montana →
Civil Litigation in Billings
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
James A. Patten is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Montana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Billings
Practicing law in Montana. Legal matters in Montana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Billings are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Montana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Montana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Montana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Billings Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Billings-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Montana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Billings or all attorneys in Montana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Billings Choose James A. Patten
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James A. Patten's practice in the field of business, bankruptcy, and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James A. Patten brings 48+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Montana, U.S. District Court, District of Montana, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, James A. Patten can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, bankruptcy, and litigation, James A. Patten can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Billings
A Billings-based practice means James A. Patten attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues James A. Patten Handles in Billings
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James A. Patten has experience with under Montana law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James A. Patten directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find James A. Patten Online
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James A. Patten's Practice Areas & Specializations
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