Melissa West

AREAS OF PRACTICE: FAMILY LAW, ESTATE PLANNING

Bozeman attorney Melissa excels in meeting a person where they are. She understands that family transitions like divorce, parenting plans, child support, child custody, and guardianship can take a toll and is dedicated to assisting clients through these transitions with grace, dignity and strength. She is skilled at understanding clients and having empathy for circumstances while empowering clients to make the best decisions for the future. She takes the time to get to know each of her clients’ circumstances and strives to achieve results tailored to that family

  • Melissa grew up in South Dakota and graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in May 2008. While in law school, she served as Vice President of the Moot Court Board and was inducted into the Order of Barristers for national recognition of trial advocacy and legal writing.

    Following graduation, she was selected to work as a judicial law clerk for the South Dakota Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Thereafter, she moved to Denver where she worked defending and litigating contested workers' compensation claims, both in and out of the courtroom. In search of a slower paced life, she moved to Bozeman in 2016. Through her prior work, Melissa developed the tools necessary to become a skilled and practiced advocate. However, she has since acquired a passion for family law and now strives to use her skills and experience to help individuals on a more personal, compassionate basis. Melissa's most rewarding work is developing relationships with her clients that empower them to make decisions that best reflect their family's priorities and goals.

    In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hiking and yoga, chasing trout, and spending time with her two young boys and bird dog.