Attorneys & Staff

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Memberships:

• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Montana Trial Lawyers Association
• Licensed in State and Federal Court
• American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

Paul Ryan was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. An experienced trial attorney, Paul has won numerous jury trials throughout the state of Montana. After graduating in 1988 with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Montana, he worked for Boeing Airlines for several years in Seattle before pursuing a career in law.

Paul attended law school at the Gonzaga University School of Law from which he graduated with honors in 1993. In 2007, he finally opened his own law firm, and Paul Ryan & Associates Attorneys at Law was born. Among his myriad accolades and achievements, Paul is an acting Justice of the Peace and has been named Missoula's Best Attorney 13 times. His clients have received millions of dollars in personal injury settlements during the 25+ years he's been practicing law. With experience in a variety of complex civil and criminal cases, his work has been recognized by judges, other attorneys, clients, and independent agencies. That same commitment to quality and ethics carries through to all members of Paul Ryan's team.

Outside his legal practice, Paul is an avid hiker and softball player. He enjoys getting outdoors during Missoula’s beautiful summers and going paddle boarding or to local concerts. Paul has a 14-year-old daughter who he enjoys playing catch and staying active with. 

Memberships:

• Licensed to practice in Montana State and Federal Court

Lorie Klaudt has been with Paul Ryan & Associates Attorneys at Law since its opening in 2007, and prior to that time, worked for Paul Ryan and several other shareholders at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind P.C. She has worked in the legal profession since 1984, and has knowledge and experience in various areas of law, which include: probate, family law, adoption, corporate, real estate, civil litigation, personal injury and criminal law. She has worked with Paul since 1993, and attorney Nate Holloway when he joined Paul Ryan & Associates in 2011, as their chief paralegal specializing in criminal law.

Katie Van Tighem is originally from Boise, Idaho and has lived in Montana for 17 years. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana (2005) and has worked as a paralegal for 20 years in several areas of litigation, most notably personal injury. Katie has worked with Paul for the last twelve years and is currently based out of our Bozeman office, serving as his chief personal injury paralegal.

Leah has been with Paul Ryan and Associates for almost a full year. She takes an interest in both Personal Injury cases and criminal cases. She is dedicated, reliable and able to handle a high volume of assignments. Known for being able to bring a smile to the office-always willing to change work tasks and assist attorneys and paralegals throughout the firm. When she isn't working at the office, she is working her second job as a barista or at home playing with her puppy, Jax.