Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Trial Attorneys in Billings, Montana
Nelson & Dahle has built a reputation as a premier litigation practice with a relentless focus on trial work. Founded in 1987, our firm has tried more cases than any civil firm in Montana, securing favorable outcomes for clients through a combination of strategic preparation and courtroom excellence. With 63 jury trials to our name across a 600-mile geographic span, we specialize in insurance law, personal injury litigation, and aviation-related legal matters. Our attorneys, including AV-rated trial lawyer Randall Nelson and experienced litigator Thomas Bancroft, bring decades of combined expertise to every case. Recognized in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, we combine peer-acknowledged excellence with practical, client-centered solutions.Our aviation law practice benefits from Mr. Nelson's unique qualifications as an instrument-rated pilot and published author on aviation issues. We serve clients in 15 Montana communities while maintaining readiness to handle complex cases statewide. Our approach emphasizes early trial preparation to maximize settlement leverage, supported by a proven track record of courtroom success. This philosophy has earned us Tier 2 regional rankings in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers Best Law Firms directory. We remain committed to delivering efficient, results-driven legal representation for both large and small matters.
Services
Insurance Law
Personal Injury Litigation
Aviation Law
Civil Litigation
Trial Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have tried 63 jury trials in Montana's federal and state courts
- Our firm maintains AV Preeminent peer review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
- We handle cases across 15 Montana cities with trial-ready preparation
- Our lead attorney is an instrument-rated pilot with aviation law expertise
- Recognized in U.S. News - Best Lawyers Best Law Firms (Tier 2 regional ranking)
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers in America
- Chambers USA
- Mountain States Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- Aviation Insurance Association
What people say
Proven trial success
Aviation law expertise
Statewide service
Peer recognition
Client-focused approach
Services
Insurance Law
We represent policyholders and insurers in complex coverage disputes, bad faith claims, and risk management matters. Our practice includes appellate work on first-impression insurance issues, with notable victories in Montana Supreme Court cases involving aircraft liability coverage. Clients benefit from our dual expertise in insurance regulations and trial advocacy.
Personal Injury Litigation
Our firm defends individuals and businesses in personal injury claims ranging from automobile accidents to premises liability. With extensive trial experience across Montana's diverse geography, we combine early case evaluation with aggressive courtroom preparation to achieve favorable settlements or verdicts in our clients' best interests.
Aviation Law
Leveraging our lead attorney's pilot certification and aviation publications, we handle aircraft accident litigation, liability coverage disputes, and regulatory compliance matters. Our unique understanding of both aviation operations and courtroom procedures provides distinct advantages in resolving complex aviation-related legal issues.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in diverse civil litigation matters including contract disputes, property damage claims, and professional liability cases. Our approach emphasizes thorough discovery, strategic motion practice, and trial readiness to efficiently resolve disputes through settlement or verdict.
Trial Advocacy
With 63 jury trials to our credit, we maintain active trial practice in Montana's state and federal courts. Our preparation includes mock trials, witness development, and evidence presentation strategies designed to maximize client success at trial or during settlement negotiations.
People
Randall G. Nelson
Founder / Lead Trial Attorney
AV-rated trial lawyer with 37 years' experience, admitted in Montana and multiple federal circuits. Recognized in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, with 63 jury trials spanning 600 miles of Montana territory. Instrument-rated pilot and aviation law author.
Thomas C. Bancroft
Attorney
Experienced litigator admitted in Montana, Wyoming, and federal courts. Former Special Assistant Attorney General in Wyoming, bringing cross-state expertise to complex civil litigation matters. Maintains Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished peer rating.
Questions
What areas of law does Nelson Law Firm specialize in?
We focus on insurance law, personal injury litigation, aviation law, and general civil litigation with trial advocacy expertise.
Do you handle cases outside Billings?
Yes, we represent clients across 15 Montana cities and towns, with trial experience spanning 600 miles of state territory.
What makes your aviation law practice unique?
Our lead attorney is an instrument-rated pilot and published aviation law author, combining technical knowledge with courtroom experience.
How experienced is your firm in jury trials?
We've tried 63 jury trials in Montana's state and federal courts since our founding in 1987.
What professional recognitions have you received?
We're recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and maintain AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell ratings.
How do you approach case resolution?
We prepare every case for trial while pursuing efficient settlements, using our courtroom readiness to maximize client leverage.
