Bozeman Attorney Ralph W. Steele

Ralph W. Steele: Attorney in Bozeman, Montana

Primary Emphasis of Practice

Business, Contract and Real Estate Law: Ralph W. Steele is available for legal consultation and representation concerning the enforcement or defense of a contract whether it is related to real estate, a business or corporation, insurance issues or a personal matter. He can also assist you in preparing contracts and supporting documents pertaining to the purchase or sale of real estate, a business or personal transaction..

Probate Administration and Claims: If you are appointed as a Personal Representative, or you are a designated beneficiary, trustee or heir related to an estate or trust, Ralph W. Steele can assist you. His office frequently works with personal representatives, trustees and others who require assistance in the probate of estates and the administration of trusts. He also represents interested parties in court actions and disputes concerning assets, debts, and property interest arising from an estate or trust.

Employment Law or Independent Contractor: You may be an owner or manager of a business with employees or independent contractor relationships, or you may be an employee faced with employment-related challenges. Ralph W. Steele works with employers, employees and others involving disputes and claims which may arise in the work place or as an independent contractor.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Many disputes and lawsuits can be resolved by mediation and arbitration, sometimes called ADR. Clients and their counsel frequently need to engage a neutral attorney to serve as a mediator or as an arbitrator in a dispute or legal action. Ralph W. Steele may be able to serve in this capacity subject to approval by all parties and meeting other requirements.
Attorney and Counselor: Ralph W. Steele is committed to providing confidential consultation and legal advice to clients and prospective clients who wish to discuss legal questions or needs in a private setting.

Professional and Personal Background

Ralph W. Steele attended University of Montana and Montana State University. He received a B.A. in History with emphasis in the sciences at MSU and earned his Law Degree at the University of Montana. He practiced in Albuquerque New Mexico in the 1980s and 1990s, and has practiced continuously in Bozeman since 1998. He was engaged primarily in a litigation practice for nearly 30 years, including trials and appeals in the areas of insurance defense, commercial law, partnership law, employment law, probate law and administration, contracts, real estate business law and general civil litigation.

Ralph W. Steele’s general philosophy and approach in representing his clients is to attempt to resolve legal disputes promptly without need for litigation whenever reasonably possible. At times litigation in the courts, including arbitration or mediation, is unavoidable in which case he represents the best interests of his clients in the most efficient, cost-effective, and confidential manner possible. His depth of background in the Bozeman community reaches back nearly 60 years. Although Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley have grown immensely in recent years, Ralph W. Steele believes in maintaining professional and responsible relations with opposing counsel, the courts, governmental agencies members of the public and businesses entities which he is called upon to serve.

Education

Juris Doctorate, University of Montana (1983)
B.A. History, Montana State University (1979)
Graduate of Bozeman Senior High School (1974)

Professional Affiliations

U.S. District Court, District of Montana (1999)
U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico (1985)
State Bar of New Mexico (1984)
State Bar of Montana (1983)

Community Affiliations