John G. Crist
John G. Crist graduated from the University of Montana in 1980 with a B.A. in Philosophy, with High Honors. He is a 1984 Honors graduate of the University of Montana Law School, where he served on the Law Review.
After law school, he practiced with the Minneapolis-based law firm of Dorsey & Whitney, PLLP for 13 years as an associate and later a partner in the Trial Department. John G. Crist left Dorsey & Whitney in February 1998 to establish the Crist Law Firm, LLC.
Since the beginning of his legal career, he has been engaged in commercial and employment litigation. On the commercial side, he has litigated, arbitrated and tried disputes in the areas of securities fraud, anti-trust, construction, oil and gas, non-compete agreements, arson fraud, minority shareholder disputes, personal injury and various contract matters.
For the last fifteen years, approximately 50% of his practice has been in employment law. This includes providing advice on disciplinary issues, claims of discrimination based on gender, age or disability, Family Medical Leave Act issues, sexual harassment issues, and advice concerning the risks associated with terminating employees.
John G. Crist has tried in excess of 50 cases in state and federal court in Montana, arbitrated numerous cases before the AAA, National Association of Securities Dealers and New York Stock Exchange Arbitration Panels, represented employers in labor arbitrations, and has handled numerous administrative hearings before the Montana Human Rights Bureau.
He has received his AV rating from Martindale Hubbell. John G. Crist was one of only ten Montana lawyers included in the Top 75 in the 2008 Mountain States Super Lawyers, and was selected for inclusion on the 2008 and 2009 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment and Personal Injury law.
John G. Crist has been active on numerous state and local bar committees. He is the Past-President of the Yellowstone Area Bar Association.
Areas of Practice
- Employment Law & Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Contracts
Litigation Percentage
- 80% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Montana, 1984
- U.S. District Court District of Montana, 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1994
- U.S. Tax Court, 1989
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1986
Education
- University of Montana School of Law, Missoula, Montana
- J.D. - 1984
- Honors: With Honors
- Law Review: Law Review, Staff Member, 1983 - 1984
- University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
- B.A. - 1980
- Honors: with High Honors
- Major: Philosophy
Honors and Awards
- AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell
- Top 75 in the 2008 Mountain States Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America, 2008 - 2009
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association, Member (Litigation and Labor & Employment Law Sections), 1984 - Present
- Montana Bar Association, Member, 1984 - Present
- Yellowstone County Bar Association, Member and Board of Directors, 2004 - Present
- Montanta State Bar, Continuing Legal Education Committee
- Big Brothers & Sisters of Yellowstone County, Board Member and Board President
- Eaglemount of Billings, Board Member
- First Congregational United Church of Christ, Endowment, Personnel and Capital Campaign Committees
Past Employment Positions
- Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, Associate and Partner, 1984 - 1998
Pro Bono Activities
- Chairperson, Yellowstone County Bar Pro Bono Committee
- President, Yellowstone Area Bar Association, 2008 - 2009

