Meet James A. Patten A Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation Attorney

Education
University of Montana, BA Economics, Honors (1974)
George Washington University, JD, High Honors (1978)

James A. Patten in Billings, MT, practices in the areas of bankruptcy, debtor/creditor relations and restructure, and commercial litigation. Andy is the past chairman of the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar of Montana. 

Andy holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubble. Andy was named Best Law Lawyer of the Year in 2013 and in 2018 for Bankruptcy Debtor and Creditor. He has been named in Rocky Mountain States Super Lawyer since 2009, was listed in the Top 100 by Mountain States Super Lawyers in 2016 and has also been included in Best Lawyers of America since 2011. Andy was named Best Law Lawyer of the Year in 2013 for Bankruptcy and Debtor and Creditor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and Lawyer of the Year in 2016 for Bet the Company Litigation. He was also selected by his peers for inclusion in the 25th edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for his work in the practice areas of bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights, insolvency and reorganization law, bet-the-company litigation, and litigation bankruptcy by Best Lawyers.

Andy and his partner Patricia Peterman obtained the largest punitive damage award affirmed by the Montana Supreme Court in McCulley v. US Bank. 

Andy has represented debtors in chapter 11 cases including the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin, Jim Palmer Trucking, Glacier Stone Supply, and represented franchisor Brinker International in Shoot the Moon chapter 11. Andy has represented banks, credit unions, other creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings. 

Andy is a former chapter 7 bankruptcy panel trustee and has participated as lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. 

Admissions: 

Montana Court (1978) 

U.S. District Court for the District of Montana (1978) 

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (1979) 

U.S. Supreme Court (1983) 

Speaking: 

Former instructor, Business Law, Rocky Mountain College  

Community Involvement: 

Montana Legal Services Association, Board of Trustees, 1982-Present

Get the Assistance You Need

If you are facing bankruptcy or a commercial litigation issue, contact our office online or call (406) 252-8500 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Patten.