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Scott Peterson

Scott Peterson

Helena Attorney representing Montana's consumers, employees, and families.
  • Insurance Claims, Construction Law, Personal Injury ...
  • Montana
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Biography

Scott was born and raised in eastern Montana. He graduated with honors from the University of Montana Law School in 2011, where he served as the Articles Editor for the Montana Law Review. After law school, Scott served as a law clerk for the Honorable Brian Morris, a then Justice at the Montana Supreme Court.

In private practice, Scott has been involved in various forms of litigation including insurance disputes, employment discrimination and personal injury cases. Among other cases, Scott was appointed by Montana's federal court as co-class counsel in a national insurance class action. The firm ultimately settled that case for $8 million.

Scott's practice has also centered on construction disputes, and a particular focus on representing homeowners. He has settled millions in construction defect claims and disputes during his career, including a settlement for $575,000 plus the forgiveness of a $250,000 construction lien.

He is also experienced in discrimination claims and appearing before the Montana Human Rights Bureau. This includes receiving a nearly $400,000 decision for retaliation.

Scott also serves as general counsel for Montana Fair Housing and for Labor Lab.

Practice Areas
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Construction Law
Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Civil Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law
Gov & Administrative Law
Administrative Law, Election Law, Government Contracts, Government Finance, Legislative & Government Affairs
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free consultation depends on the case, and is not guaranteed. Our firm requires that you complete an initial intake, and if the initial summary indicates that it is economically viable for us to take the case on contingency, I offer a free consultation. Often times, people only need to talk to a lawyer and ask a few questions. In that scenario, I offer a one-time, $250 consult fee.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    The case must look like it is viable for us to take on contingency. That means the case has enough value and probability of winning that we can take the risk of pursuing the case on a contingency basis.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Montana
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9th Circuit
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Associate Attorney
Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson, & Deola, PLLP
- Current
I represent plaintiffs in insurance disputes, injury, discrimination cases, and wrongful foreclosures. I also represent debtors in chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies, and Montanans in family law matters.
Associate Attorney
Thueson Law Office
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I represent plaintiffs in various matters, including: - FELA claims; - General personal injury, including traumatic brain injuries; - Class actions; and - Insurance disputes. My representation included three trials and three appeals to the Montana Supreme Court.
Law Clerk to Justice Brian Morris
Montana Supreme Court
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I work closely with Justice Morris in researching and drafting opinions and dissents on various matters, including class actions, evidence, and covenants not to compete. I also drafted a bench memos for each oral argument.
Education
University of Montana School of Law
J.D. (2011) | Law
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Honors: Graduated with Honors (Awarded to those graduating in the top 15 percent) Awarded the "Order of the Barrister" for demonstrated skills in appellate advocacy
Activities: 2010-2011: Moot Court, 1st Place Overall (Northwest Region); 1st Place Brief (Northwest Region) 2009-2011: Montana Law Review, Co-Articles Editor
University of Montana School of Law Logo
Carroll College
B.A. (2006) | Political Science, History
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Honors: 2006: Talking Saints "Best Debate Team" 2006: National Parliamentary Debate Tournament, Tied for 17th 2005: National Parliamentary Debate Tournament, 3rd Place Squad
Activities: Debate
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Awards
Pro Bono Award
Lewis and Clark County Bar Association
My co-counsel and I were awarded for dedication to pro bono work, and specifically, for our success in a pro bono appeal that established the right to counsel for indigent parents whose rights were being terminated.
Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers in Montana
National Trial Lawyers
Professional Associations
The National Trial Lawyers
- Current
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Montana State Bar Association
- Current
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Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- Current
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Speaking Engagements
Co-Host, Bad Faith Litigation, MTLA Winter Seminar, Helena, Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
I co-hosted and assisted in organizing seminar on one of my favorite topics: insurance bad faith.
Co-Host, Bad Faith Litigation, MTLA Winter Seminar, Helena, Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
I co-hosted and assisted in organizing seminar on one of my favorite topics: insurance bad faith.
Co-Host, Bad Faith Litigation, MTLA Winter Seminar, Helena, Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
Websites & Blogs
Website
Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson, & Deola, PLLP | Helena Attorneys
Contact & Map
Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson, and Deola, PLLP
401 N. Last Chance Gulch St.
Helena, MT 59601
Telephone: (406) 442-3261