Atty. Robert J. Phillips
Robert J. Phillips has been practicing since 1978 in areas of insurance defense or all kinds, including coverage opinions, coverage litigation and bad faith defense.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Missoula, MT
Profile Summary
About Robert J. Phillips at a Glance
Robert J. Phillips is a business, litigation, and insurance attorney based in Missoula, Montana, practicing at Garlington, Lohn & Robinson PLLP. Admitted to practice in Montana, State Bar. Educated at The University of Montana (J.D., 1978) and The University of Montana (BA, 1975). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law (2026). Serves clients in Missoula, MT and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Robert J. Phillips
- Robert J. Phillips has been practicing since 1978 in areas of insurance defense or all kinds, including coverage opinions, coverage litigation and bad faith defense
- He has tried numerous civil jury trials in various areas, including automobile, trucking, railroad, products liability, professional liability, construction defect and insurance bad faith, in State, Federal and Tribal courts
- He has been lead counsel in many of the leading cases in Montana insurance law before the Montana Supreme Court, Federal Court for the District of Montana and the Ninth U.S
- Circuit Court of Appeals
- He has also been lead counsel before the U.S
- Claims Court, Federal U.S
- Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S
- Supreme Court
- Professional memberships include State Bar of Montana (admitted 1978, President 1994-1995), Western Montana Bar Association (President 1986-1987), American Bar Association, Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association, American Board of Trial Advocates (President, Montana Chapter, 2004-2006, National Board Member , 2008-2011), Defense Research Institute and the International Association of Defense Counsel
- He holds the highest rating available in the Martindale-Hubble Law Directory, and is listed in A.M
- Best Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Super Lawyers
- His civic involvement includes Community Medical Center, ( Director, 1998-2015, Chair 2005-2009), Salvation Army Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood of Montana Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, (Vice Chair 1992-1994), Missoula Children’s Theatre and United Way of Missoula
- He currently chairs the Missoula Community Hospital Legacy Foundation, one of the largest health-related foundations in the State of Montana
Practice Areas Explained
Robert J. Phillips's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Robert J. Phillips handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Missoula.
Business & Corporate Law in Missoula
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Robert J. Phillips is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Montana →
Civil Litigation in Missoula
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Robert J. Phillips is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Montana →
Insurance Law in Missoula
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
Robert J. Phillips is one of 120,903 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Montana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Missoula
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 Missoula 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.
Missoula Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Missoula-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 Missoula or all attorneys in Montana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Missoula Choose Robert J. Phillips
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 Robert J. Phillips's practice in the field of business, litigation, and insurance.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, litigation, and insurance, Robert J. Phillips can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Missoula
A Missoula-based practice means Robert J. Phillips 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 Robert J. Phillips Handles in Missoula
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Robert J. Phillips 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 Robert J. Phillips directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Robert J. Phillips Online
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Robert J. Phillips's Practice Areas & Specializations
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