Exceptional Legal Services

Exceptional Legal Services

For Montana’s Vast Natural Resources

About Us

OUR FOCUS

Ferguson & Coppes is a natural resource law firm.  Natural resource law governs how we as a society use and manage those parts of the environment that have various economic or societal benefits. Most commonly our work includes the water, land, plants and animals that occupy Montana’s landscape, both as a part of the private and public domain.  The importance of these resources to Montana’s citizens, businesses, and environment means that ownership and management of these resources must be adjudicated carefully, responsibly, and with expertise.  Ferguson & Coppes is here to help you do just that. 

Water Law

Water Law is the cornerstone of Ferguson & Coppes.  For over 20 years, our attorneys have provided high-quality representation in every conceivable water related issue for clients throughout the State of Montana. Our attorneys have considerable experience representing individuals and groups in complex water cases, whether in adjudication proceedings before the Montana Water Court, contested-case hearings before the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), or in water distribution controversies in District Courts. Simply put, if you have an issue that deals with water, one of our attorneys can help.

Property Law

Property law represents an important component of natural resource law, governing the use and management of private rights, whether in land or water.  In connection with the firm’s natural resource law foundation, Ferguson & Coppes attorneys are experts in all aspects of Montana property law.  Our attorneys commonly handle drafting, negotiation and litigation surrounding real property transactions, easements, ditches, boundaries, roads, fences, and access. 

Environmental and Administrative Law

Environmental law is a legal specialty that deals broadly with the regulation, management and protection of the natural world. Due to Montana’s large acreage of federally owned lands and the presence of numerous federally protected species, environmental issues in Montana often involve the federal court system. And, due to the regulatory oversight of executive agencies over these resources, these matters involve the world of administrative procedure. 

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John and Graham have been with us since day one.  They have successfully defended our ranch from an out-of-state corporation, defended our water rights across multiple venues, and have advised us skillfully in negotiating with both the state and federal government.

Don R. Beck
Gold Creek Ranch

For the last 5 years, the team and Ferguson & Coppes have fought for our farms, our community and our water resources.  They artfully argued for us from trial and all the way through two appeals at the Montana Supreme Court. We could not have done this without them.

Water for Flathead’s Future
A Montana Non-Profit Corporation

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