James E. Vidal, Construction Attorney in Kalispell, Montana
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatKaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C.
Kalispell, MT
Practicing construction in Kalispell since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James E. Vidal?
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Quick answer
James E. Vidal is a member based in Kalispell, MT. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Kalispell, MT
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Construction · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Construction, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Kalispell, MT.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James E. Vidal: James E. Vidal is a member based in Kalispell, MT. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on construction, insurance, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Construction cases in Kalispell, Montana
James takes construction matters in Kalispell, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Kalispell, Montana
James takes insurance matters in Kalispell, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Kalispell, Montana
James takes litigation matters in Kalispell, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Kalispell, Montana
James takes medical malpractice matters in Kalispell, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Kalispell, Montana
James takes personal injury matters in Kalispell, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James E. Vidal — construction lawyer in Kalispell
James E. Vidal is a member based in Kalispell, MT. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James E. Vidal is a lawyer practicing insurance defense law, litigation, civil litigation & general practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Willamette University in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. James practices at Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C. in Kalispell, MT.
How James handles construction matters
James E. Vidal is a lawyer practicing insurance defense law, litigation, civil litigation & general practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Willamette University in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. James practices at Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C. in Kalispell, MT.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, insurance, and litigation matters in Kalispell and the surrounding Montana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Montana
J.D. · 1970
Willamette University
B.A. · 1967
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Milita
1971 · ACTIVE
Montana
1970 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in Willamette University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in Willamette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Montana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar
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Former Member, Montana Board of Bar Examiners
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Commissioner, National Conference of Uniform State Laws (1989 - 1995) Fellow: American Bar
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Former Member, Montana Board of Bar Examiners
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Commissioner, National Conference of Uniform State Laws (1989 - 1995) Member: Northwest Montana and American (Member, Insurance Section) Bar Associations
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State Bar of Montana
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Defense Research Institute (Member: Insurance Law Committee
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Automobile Insurance Committee)
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International Association of Defense Counsel
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Montana Defense Trial Lawyers (Past Secretary, Board of Directors)
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Montana Board of Bar Examiners. Fellow: American Bar
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Locations
James E. Vidal's office in Kalispell
James's primary office is at 22-2nd Ave. W., Ste. 4000, Kalispell, MT, 59903. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kaufman, Vidal, Hileman, P.C.
22-2nd Ave. W., Ste. 4000
Kalispell, MT 59903
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James E. Vidal — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Kalispell.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James E. Vidal claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James E. Vidal — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Kalispell, Montana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James E. Vidal
How much does it cost to hire James for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Montana typically take?
Simple construction 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Kalispell?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new construction clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Kalispell, Helena and Missoula in Montana
James handles construction matters throughout Montana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in Montana
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Kalispell handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





