Richard A. Reep

Mr. Reep graduated with high honors from the University of Montana law school in 1981. He was the Managing Editor of Montana Law Review from 1980-1981.

Since beginning his practice in 1981, Mr. Reep has tried numerous jury and non-jury cases, and has enjoyed an active trial and litigation practice. He has been lead counsel before state, federal, and tribal courts, including the Montana Supreme Court, the Tribal Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Besides serving as a settlement master, his practice emphasizes civil litigation, personal injury, real estate, business law, and family law.

Mr. Reep has served as a member of the Missoula YMCA Board of Directors and assisted the University of Montana Foundation's Excellence Fund Campaign.

Robert T. Bell

Mr. Bell graduated with honors from the University of Montana law school in 1993, where he received the American Jurisprudence award for scholarship in Real Property. During law school, Mr. Bell was a member of the Moot Court Team and served as the head intern for the Missoula County Attorney's office.

Since entering practice in 1993, Mr. Bell has represented clients in cases throughout Montana. He is admitted to practice before the Montana State and Federal District Courts, the Montana Supreme Court, the Tribal Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Bell's litigation work focuses on commercial disputes, insurance law and serious injury cases . Mr. Bell’s transactional work focuses on real estate, contracts and entity formation. Mr. Bell is also an instrument rated private pilot and has served as counsel in aviation cases pending before Montana courts as well as the National Transportation Safety Board.

Mr. Bell serves on the St. Patrick's Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Loyola Sacred Heart Foundation.

Cory Laird

Mr. Laird graduated from the University of Montana law school in 2000. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Carroll College in Helena.

Since 2000, Mr. Laird has appeared in courts throughout Montana, handling a broad array of cases. He is admitted to practice before the Montana State and Federal District Courts, the Montana Supreme Court, the Tribal Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, and the National Association of Securities Dealers. Mr. Laird Commercial litigation focuses his practice on civil litigation, personal injury litigation, real estate litigation, commercial litigation, and commercial transactions. He has handled civil rights cases, products liability cases, and complex contract and real estate cases.

Mr. Laird serves on the Camp Mak-A-Dream Board of Directors, both as a Director and as an Officer.

Marilyn Phillips, Paralegal

Marilyn Phillips has worked with Mr. Bell in his civil litigation practice since 1998. She has worked in the legal field since 1990, when she graduated from the paralegal program at Salt Lake City Community College. Ms. Phillips also received her M.A. degree in elementary education from Western State College of Colorado and has teaching experience at the elementary level.

Stephenie L. Dunwell, Certified Legal Assistant

Stephenie L. Dunwell graduated from the Missoula Vo-Tech Center in both the Legal Secretary and Legal Assisting programs in 1992. She then earned her Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) designation in 1995. Mrs. Dunwell has worked for Mr. Reep since 1996 and assists him in his practice which emphasizes civil litigation, personal injury, real estate, business law, and family law.

Amber Merseal, Paralegal

Amber Merseal graduated with Honors from the University of Montana with a degree in Associate Applied Science. Mrs. Merseal has worked for Mr. Laird since 2007. She works directly with Mr. Laird in his areas of practice which include general and commercial litigation, personal injury, and commercial transactions. In addition to her legal experience, Mrs. Merseal has experience in medical administration and accounting.

Hannah Den Bleyker, Reception and Administrative Support

Hannah Den Bleyker majored in Biology at the University of Montana and has experience in real estate and office administration. Mrs. Den Bleyker is an integral part of the law firm’s staff providing receptionist services, as well as support for the firm’s paralegals and attorneys.

Kim Elliott, Bookkeeper

Kim Elliott has extensive bookkeeping experience. Ms. Elliott has worked in the medical and legal fields, as well as for a non-profit corporation, providing bookkeeping services. Ms. Elliott has worked for the law firm since 2003.