Doug James, Bankruptcy Attorney in Billings, Montana
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
Of CounselatMoulton Bellingham PC
Billings, MT
Practicing bankruptcy in Billings since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 20 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Doug James?
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Quick answer
Doug James is an of counsel based in Billings, MT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Doug has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Moulton Bellingham PC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
- Based in
- Billings, MT
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Billings, MT.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Doug James: Doug James is an of counsel based in Billings, MT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Doug has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Moulton Bellingham PC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Doug James
Doug concentrates on bankruptcy, business, litigation, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Doug handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Bankruptcy cases in Billings, Montana
Doug takes bankruptcy matters in Billings, 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 Doug agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Billings, Montana
Doug takes business matters in Billings, 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 Doug agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Billings, Montana
Doug takes litigation matters in Billings, 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 Doug agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Billings, Montana
Doug takes real estate matters in Billings, 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 Doug agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Billings, Montana
Doug takes zoning matters in Billings, 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 Doug agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Doug James — Over 44 years of Montana bankruptcy experience
Doug James is an of counsel based in Billings, MT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Doug has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Moulton Bellingham PC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Doug James practices in bankruptcy, real estate development, banking, commercial transactions, and commercial litigation.Doug has the honor of being listed in the publication, The Best Lawyers in America under four categories: Banking and Finance Law; Litigation -- Banking and Finance; Litigation -- Bankruptcy; and Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Doug was named the Best Lawyers’ 2014 Billings Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law “Lawyer of the Year”. Doug has also been recognized as a Top Lawyer by Corporate Counsel for Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law and is included in the Mountain States Super Lawyers list.Doug’s bankruptcy practice is limited to representing creditors. He has more than three decades of experience representing both secured creditors and unsecured creditors in cases under chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. He is a former member of the U. S. Trustee’s Panel for the District of Montana. He has been active in the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar and served as Chairman of the Bankruptcy Section.Doug is involved in all aspects of real estate development and litigation. He has represented lenders, developers, tenants, and landlords in connection with real estate acquisitions, real estate sales, shopping centers, box store developments, Lifestyle Centers, medical campuses, co-tenancy issues, leasing, zoning, site development, subdivision approval, reciprocal easement agreements, exclusives, use restrictions, subdivision improvements agreements, common area maintenance agreements, secured financing, lease defaults, assignments, lease terminations, planned unit developments, and foreclosures.Doug is actively involved in the community. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Montana Foundation, the Board of Visitors for the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana, and the Board of Directors for the Billings Public Library Foundation. Doug served on the City of Billings Zoning Commission for many years as well as the Board of Adjustments for the City of Billings.Doug was born in Great Falls, Montana in 1957. He graduated from Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with high honors, from Southern Methodist University in 1979. Doug earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Montana in 1982. After graduating from law school, he worked for the Montana Securities Department in the State Auditor's Office from 1982-1984. He joined Moulton Bellingham PC in 1984. Doug is married to Kathy Webster James.
Doug's approach to bankruptcy cases
Doug James practices in bankruptcy, real estate development, banking, commercial transactions, and commercial litigation.Doug has the honor of being listed in the publication, The Best Lawyers in America under four categories: Banking and Finance Law; Litigation -- Banking and Finance; Litigation -- Bankruptcy; and Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Doug was…
Clients Doug works with
Doug reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Billings and the surrounding Montana area.
Credentials
Doug James's legal education and bar admissions
University of Montana
J.D. · 1982
Southern Methodist University
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Doug's state bar admissions
Montana
1982 · ACTIVE
Doug studied at J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in Southern Methodist University.
Law school and academic background
Doug completed J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in Southern Methodist University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Doug runs in Montana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Doug James
Doug has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Doug's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Montana
membership
Locations
Doug James's office in Billings
Doug's primary office is at Suite 1900, Crowne Plaza, 27 N. 27th Street Suite 1900, Billings, MT, 59103-2559. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Moulton Bellingham PC
Suite 1900, Crowne Plaza, 27 N. 27th Street Suite 1900
Billings, MT 59103-2559
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Doug James — 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Doug. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Billings.
4.9
20 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Doug James claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Doug James — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Doug usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Doug charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Doug'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; Doug will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Billings, Montana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Doug
Doug discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Doug confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Doug's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Doug James
How much does it cost to hire Doug for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Doug walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Doug offer a free consultation?
Doug charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Doug's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Doug's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Montana typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Doug gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Doug take my case if I'm outside Billings?
Doug 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 — Doug 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 Doug?
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. Doug will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Doug accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Doug's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Billings, Helena and Missoula in Montana
Doug handles bankruptcy matters throughout Montana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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