Atty. Mary E. Duncan

Atty. Mary E. Duncan

Mary Elizabeth “Marilee” Duncan is an AV-rated civil trial attorney. More than 75% of Marilee’s practice involves the representation of both public and private entities in all aspects of their operations, including advice regarding FMLA and ADA issues, policies and handbooks, wage and hour issues, avoiding wrongful termination claims, prevention of discrimination/harassment/retaliation claims, facility use and management, and contract negotiations and drafting.

Billings Billings 39 yrs experience 39 year
Call (406) 248-7646 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Mary E. Duncan at a glance

Mary E. Duncan is an Of Counsel based in Billings, Montana. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, employment, business, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Montana (1987), U.S. District Court, District of Montana (1987), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1987). Educated at University of Montana (J.D., 1987) and University of Wyoming (B.A., 1983). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Billings, MT and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mary Elizabeth “Marilee” Duncan is an AV-rated civil trial attorney
  • More than 75% of Marilee’s practice involves the representation of both public and private entities in all aspects of their operations, including advice regarding FMLA and ADA issues, policies and handbooks, wage and hour issues, avoiding wrongful termination claims, prevention of discrimination/harassment/retaliation claims, facility use and management, and contract negotiations and drafting
  • In representing public entities and health care providers, Ms. Duncan has developed expertise in all issues related to compliance with the myriad federal and state laws and regulations affecting these entities
  • Marilee sees her role representing school districts as a collaborative endeavor, constantly striving to improve outcomes for students, ensure faculty and administration understand and fulfill their obligations under the constitution and law to protect the rights of students, families, and staff, and guide administration in their efforts to meet the public’s expectations and trust
  • Marilee has developed expertise in advising schools regarding educating students with disabilities and represents schools in the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Human Rights Bureau, and special education proceedings
  • Her school practice also includes student discipline, employment matters (such as the unique rules regarding termination of tenure teachers), suicide prevention and safety protocols and programs, the intersection of health care and schools, advising school boards in their operations, and all other aspects related to school management
  • Marilee litigates all types of civil cases for public and private entities
  • She has litigated and tried cases in the areas of constitutional law, civil rights, Section 1983, discrimination/retaliation, Title IX, open meeting/public record challenges, privacy issues, defamation, wrongful termination, non-competes and non-solicitation disputes, personal injury, premises liability, products liability, medical malpractice, insurance bad faith, insurance coverage, construction, partnership and shareholder disputes, trust/estate and probate contests, breach of contract, and consumer protection act/fraud
  • Marilee has successfully tried numerous jury and bench trials in the Montana federal and state district courts and administrative agencies and often obtains dismissal or summary judgment for her clients
  • Marilee was awarded the Outstanding Law Student Award and the American Judicature Society Service Award (1987)
  • Following law school, she clerked for the Thirteenth Judicial District, State of Montana
  • Upon entering private practice, she was appointed by the district court judges to the local rules revision committee
  • She served on the Montana Commission on Women and the State Bar Gender Fairness Task Force, 1990-1993
  • She continues to serve on the State Bar Ethics Committee, from her appointment in the early 1990’s
  • Marilee is a frequent speaker and trainer in employment law and school law topics at continuing education seminars, in-services for teachers, administrators, and superintendents, and seminars for human resource professionals and management
  • She has been the co-chair of the premier labor and employment seminar in Montana (sponsored by The Seminar Group) since 2013, and speaker since 2006
  • She is an adjunct professor at Rocky Mountain College (School Law Course in the Masters in Education Leadership program)

Practice Areas Explained

Mary E. Duncan's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mary E. Duncan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Mary E. Duncan is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Montana →

Probate

Mary E. Duncan is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Montana →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Mary E. Duncan is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Montana →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Mary E. Duncan is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Montana →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Mary E. Duncan is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Montana →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Montana

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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional Montana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Billings or all attorneys in Montana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Mary E. Duncan

Where is Mary E. Duncan's law office located?
Mary E. Duncan's law practice is located in Billings, Montana. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Mary E. Duncan handle?
Mary E. Duncan focuses on trusts, probate, employment, business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Montana.
How long has Mary E. Duncan practiced law?
Mary E. Duncan has 39+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1987.
Where did Mary E. Duncan go to law school?
Mary E. Duncan earned their education at (J.D., 1987); (B.A., 1983).
How can I contact Mary E. Duncan for a consultation?
You can contact Mary E. Duncan directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Mary E. Duncan received?
Mary E. Duncan's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Montana
- 1987
B.A.
University of Wyoming
- 1983

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Montana
Admitted: 1987
U.S. District Court, District of Montana
Admitted: 1987
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Admitted: 1987

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