AttorneyDoug James Of Counsel

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Doug James in the News

Doug James is a creditor rights attorney. His practice includes defending lender liability claims in state and federal courts, workout and restructure agreements, Uniform Commercial Code cases, the representation of creditors in bankruptcy cases, judicial and non-judicial real estate foreclosures, collections, commercial litigation, commercial transactions, and real estate development.

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. Doug has substantial experience representing banks and other lenders in family farm bankruptcies and chapter 11 reorganization cases. Doug is a former Bankruptcy Trustee. He has been active in the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar and served as Chair of the Bankruptcy Section.

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 2022 and 2024 "Lawyer of the Year in Billings" for his work in Banking and Finance Law. Doug was also named the Best Lawyers 2014 and 2021 Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Billings. Doug has 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 is involved in all aspects of real estate development and litigation. He has represented lenders, developers, tenants, and landlords in connection with real estate foreclosures, 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 zoning.

Doug serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of Montana Foundation. Doug served on the Board of Visitors for the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana from 2011 through 2020. He previously served on Board of Directors for the Billings Public Library Foundation, the Alberta Bair Theater, Young Families Program, Special K Ranch, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Montana, and the Community Youth Choral. He also served on the City of Billings Zoning Commission, and the City of Billings Board of Adjustments.

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.

Practice Areas


Education

  • J.D., University of Montana, 1982
  • B.A., Southern Methodist University, magna cum laude, 1979

Awards And Honors

  • Yellowstone County Bar Association Professionalism Award, 2010
  • Selected to Mountain States Super Lawyer, Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights, Real Estate, Business Litigation 2007, 2016-2021; 2021 Top Rated Business Litigation Attorney in Billings, MT
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2022 "Lawyer of the Year in Billings" for work in Banking and Finance Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2014 & 2021 "Lawyer of the Year in Billings" for work in Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Outstanding Instructor Award, Rocky Mountain College, 1992-1993

With broad industry knowledge and experience in a variety of practice areas, we offer solutions that address each client's particular needs and objectives.

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