Trent M. Gardner, Business Attorney in Bozeman, Montana
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews
PartneratGoetz, Geddes & Gardner, P.C.
Bozeman, MT
Practicing business in Bozeman since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 22 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Trent M. Gardner?
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Quick answer
Trent M. Gardner is a partner based in Bozeman, MT. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Trent has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goetz, Geddes & Gardner, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
- Based in
- Bozeman, MT
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Litigation
- Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Bozeman, MT.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Trent M. Gardner: Trent M. Gardner is a partner based in Bozeman, MT. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Trent has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goetz, Geddes & Gardner, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Trent's practice areas in Bozeman
Trent concentrates on business, general, litigation, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Trent handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Bozeman, Montana
Trent takes business matters in Bozeman, 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 Trent agrees to represent you.
General cases in Bozeman, Montana
Trent takes general matters in Bozeman, 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 Trent agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Bozeman, Montana
Trent takes litigation matters in Bozeman, 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 Trent agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Bozeman, Montana
Trent takes personal injury matters in Bozeman, 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 Trent agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Bozeman, Montana
Trent takes real estate matters in Bozeman, 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 Trent agrees to represent you.
Biography
Trent M. Gardner, business attorney serving Bozeman
Trent M. Gardner is a partner based in Bozeman, MT. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Trent has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goetz, Geddes & Gardner, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 22 client reviews. Trent works from Bozeman, Montana and takes on business matters across the region.
Trent is a Montana native, growing up in Kalispell. He moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University in 1996, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business-Finance and a Minor in Economics. Trent attended law school at the University of Washington, graduating in 2004. During law school, Trent was active on the Moot Court Honor Board and was appointed to the Order of Barristers.
After law school, Trent returned to Montana and started practicing at Goetz, Baldwin & Geddes, where he has developed a broad practice representing both plaintiffs (often on a contingency-fee basis) and defendants in complex litigation matters. Trent has represented litigants in wide array of commercial matters, including real estate disputes, securities fraud (representing both plaintiffs and defendants), oil and gas disputes, corporate/shareholder disputes, and insurance coverage and bad faith. Trent has also developed an extensive bankruptcy practice focused primarily on recovery of assets for Trustees and protection of creditor’s rights.
Trent is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice and the Montana Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts in Montana, as well as the United States Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Court of Federal Claims, and the Federal District Court of Puerto Rico. Trent has been selected as a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star in 2009, and 2011-2014, and is named to the Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Commercial Litigation.
Trent is married with three children.
How Trent handles business matters
Trent is a Montana native, growing up in Kalispell. He moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University in 1996, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business-Finance and a Minor in Economics. Trent attended law school at the University of Washington, graduating in 2004. During law school, Trent was active on the Moot Court Honor Board and was appointed to the Order of…
Who Trent represents
Trent reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Bozeman and the surrounding Montana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Trent studied and practices
University of Washington
J.D. · 2004
Montana State University
B.S. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Trent's state bar admissions
Federal Court of Cla
2014 · ACTIVE
Federal District Cou
2014 · ACTIVE
Ninth Circuit Court
2007 · ACTIVE
Montana
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
Trent studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.S. in Montana State University.
Law school and academic background
Trent completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.S. in Montana State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Trent runs in Montana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Trent's legal honors and published work
Trent has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Trent M. Gardner's office in Bozeman
Trent's primary office is at 35 North Grand Avenue, Bozeman, MT, 59715. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Trent M. Gardner — 4.9/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Trent. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Bozeman.
4.9
22 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Trent M. Gardner claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Trent M. Gardner — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Trent usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Trent charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Trent'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; Trent will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Bozeman, Montana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Trent
Trent discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Trent confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Trent's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Trent M. Gardner
How much does it cost to hire Trent for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Trent walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Trent offer a free consultation?
Trent charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Trent's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Trent's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Montana typically take?
Simple business 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. Trent gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Trent take my case if I'm outside Bozeman?
Trent 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 — Trent 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 Trent?
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. Trent will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Trent accepting new business clients right now?
Trent's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Bozeman, Helena and Missoula in Montana
Trent handles business matters throughout Montana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Trent's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Bozeman handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
