James (Jim) P. Reynolds
Partner
jimreynolds@rmslaw.net

After graduating from law school, Jim worked as a law clerk for one year for the Honorable Gene B. Daly of the Montana Supreme Court.  In July 1979, he entered private practice as an associate of James and Rosemary Zion in Helena.  After the Zions moved to Arizona in April of 1981, Jim maintained his private practice on the historic and colorful 400 block of downtown Helena.  The firm has now grown to eight members.  Over the years, Jim has received awards and acknowledgement of his work on behalf of various public interest groups, including being selected as one of “Fifty Who Make A Difference” by the Helena Independent Record in 1986; the Montana Free Press Award from the Montana Freedom of Information Hotline in 1999; the Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2000; and the Courage Award from the Montana Advocacy Program in 2003.  Jim considers his work on behalf of those in society who might otherwise be without representation to be among one of his most satisfying areas of practice.

Practice Areas

Constitutional Law
Appellate Practice
Employment
Civil Rights and Discrimination
Family
Probate, Wills & Guardianships
Open Government and Right to Know
Campaign Finance & Ballot Initiatives
Elder Law
Non-Profit Representation
Personal Injury

Education

University of Missouri – St. Louis, B.A. 1972
University of Montana, J.D. (with honors) 1978
Associate Editor, Montana Law Review, 1976 – 1978

Admitted

State of Montana , 1978
     Montana Supreme Court
     U.S. District Court of Montana

Member

State Bar of Montana
First Judicial District Bar Association
Montana Trial Lawyers Association

Reported Cases

Snetsinger v. Montana University System,
      2004 MT 390 (2004) amicus (Employee Benefits)
American Cancer Society v. State,
      2004 MT 376 (2004) (Local Government Authority)
In Re Wage Claims of Babinecz,
    2003 MT 107 (2003) amicus (Overtime Wage Claims)
Redies v. Cosner,
     2002 MT 86 (2002) amicus (Conservator Responsibility)
Pengra v. State,
    2000 MT 291 (2000) (Governmental Records)
Associated Press v. Mont. Senate Repub. Caucus,
     286 Mont. 172 (1997) (Opening Legislative Caucuses)
Common Cause of Montana v. Argenbright,
     276 Mont. 382 (1996) (Governmental Rule Making)
Estate of Eide v. Tabbert,
    272 Mont. 180 (1995) (Personal Injury)
Common Cause v. Statutory Committee,
    263 Mont. 324 (1994) (Open Government)
Bozeman Daily Chronicle. v. City of Bozeman,
     260 Mont. 218 (1993) (Governmental Records)
Trout v. Bennett,
    252 Mont. 416 (1992) (Liability of Public Officials)
Associated Press v. State, 250 Mont. 299 (1991)
    (Governmental Records)
Associated Press v. Bd. of Pub. Education,
     246 Mont. 386 (1991) (Governmental Meetings)
McAlear v. Kasak,
    255 Mont. 113 (1987) (Venue)
Crabtree v. Montana State Library,
       204 Mont. 398 (1983) (Handicap Employment)