Patrick L. Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Missoula, Montana
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Environmental · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Missoula, MT
Practicing civil rights in Missoula since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Patrick L. Smith?
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Quick answer
Patrick L. Smith is an attorney based in Missoula, MT. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Environmental. Patrick has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Missoula, MT
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Contracts · Environmental
- Handles Civil Rights, Contracts, and Environmental matters from Missoula, MT.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Patrick L. Smith: Patrick L. Smith is an attorney based in Missoula, MT. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Environmental. Patrick has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Patrick takes on
Patrick concentrates on civil rights, contracts, environmental, general, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patrick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Contracts
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Environmental
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General
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Personal Injury
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Civil Rights cases in Missoula, Montana
Patrick takes civil rights matters in Missoula, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patrick agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Missoula, Montana
Patrick takes contracts matters in Missoula, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patrick agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Missoula, Montana
Patrick takes environmental matters in Missoula, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patrick agrees to represent you.
General cases in Missoula, Montana
Patrick takes general matters in Missoula, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patrick agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Missoula, Montana
Patrick takes personal injury matters in Missoula, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patrick agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Patrick L. Smith — civil rights lawyer in Missoula
Patrick L. Smith is an attorney based in Missoula, MT. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Environmental. Patrick has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Patrick L. Smith is a lawyer practicing personal injury, indian law, contracts and 2 other areas of law. Patrick received a B.A. degree from University of Montana in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Patrick practices in Missoula, MT.
Working with Patrick on a civil rights matter
Patrick L. Smith is a lawyer practicing personal injury, indian law, contracts and 2 other areas of law. Patrick received a B.A. degree from University of Montana in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Patrick practices in Missoula, MT.
Clients Patrick works with
Patrick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, contracts, and environmental matters in Missoula and the surrounding Montana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Montana
J.D. · 1982
University of Montana
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Patrick's state bar admissions
Montana
1982 · ACTIVE
Patrick studied at J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in University of Montana.
Law school and academic background
Patrick completed J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in University of Montana. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Patrick runs in Montana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Patrick has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Patrick L. Smith's office in Missoula
Patrick's primary office is at 405 S. 1st St. W., Missoula, MT, 59801-1850. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Patrick L. Smith — 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Patrick. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Missoula.
4.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Patrick L. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Patrick L. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Patrick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Patrick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patrick's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Patrick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Missoula, Montana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Patrick
Patrick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Patrick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Patrick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Patrick L. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Patrick for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patrick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Patrick offer a free consultation?
Patrick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patrick's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Patrick's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Montana typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Patrick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Patrick take my case if I'm outside Missoula?
Patrick is licensed in Montana. Matters governed by Montana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Patrick will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Patrick?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Patrick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Patrick accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Patrick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Missoula, Helena and Billings in Montana
Patrick handles civil rights matters throughout Montana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Montana
If Patrick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Missoula handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.