Atty. Michael Manning

Atty. Michael Manning

A former law clerk for Ninth Circuit Judges Thomas G. Nelson and N.

Billings Billings 20 Years Experience 20 year
Call (406) 601-1400

Profile Summary

About Michael Manning at a glance

Michael Manning is a employment and litigation attorney based in Billings, Montana, practicing at Ritchie Manning Kautz PLLP. They have 20+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2006. Admitted to practice in Montana (2006). Educated at The University of Montana (—, 2006) and University of Notre Dame (—, 2003). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Billings, MT and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • A former law clerk for Ninth Circuit Judges Thomas G. Nelson and N. Randy Smith, Michael Manning’s practice focuses on appellate advocacy and complex litigation
  • He has argued multiple appeals in the Ninth Circuit, and regularly represents clients in both federal and state courts
  • His appellate and trial-level litigation experience covers a broad range of substantive topics, including environmental litigation, constitutional issues, intellectual property, bank bad faith and lender liability, personal injury and wrongful death, employment disputes, real estate, and contract disputes
  • Mr. Manning is a Montana native and a current board member of the Montana Justice Foundation
  • He is a past member of the ABA Council of Appellate Lawyers Rules Committee, as well as a past board member of the Yellowstone Area Bar Association
  • He is admitted to practice in all Montana state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Montana and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Ninth, Tenth, D.C. and Federal Circuits

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Manning's Areas of Practice

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

Employment Law

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

Michael Manning is one of 151,622 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Montana →

Civil Litigation

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

Michael Manning is one of 409,070 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 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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael Manning

Where is Michael Manning's law office located?
Michael Manning's law practice is located in Billings, Montana. The firm is Ritchie Manning Kautz PLLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Manning handle?
Michael Manning focuses on employment, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Montana.
How long has Michael Manning practiced law?
Michael Manning has 20+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2006.
Where did Michael Manning go to law school?
Michael Manning earned their education at (—, 2006); (—, 2003).
How can I contact Michael Manning for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Manning 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 Michael Manning received?
Michael Manning's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation.

Education

The University of Montana
- 2006
University of Notre Dame
- 2003

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Environmental (Billings)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Environmental (Billings)
- 2022
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Environmental (Billings)
- 2020

Bar Admissions

Montana
Admitted: 2006

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