Brian R. Bjella serves as Of Counsel in the Bozeman office and is a member of the Energy and Environmental Practice Group. With more than 40 years in practice, Brian is one of the firm’s expert energy law attorneys and is always prepared to give his clients the best advice possible in the most straightforward way he can.
Brian practices in a wide range of energy and environmental matters, including oil and gas title opinions, mining regulatory work, pipeline regulatory work in the energy space, and in the renewable energy sector.
In 2024, Brian was elected as an Honorary Trustee of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, a prestigious recognition given for his significant impact on the foundation’s mission and activities. The award reflects his longstanding commitment to the field of natural resources and energy law.
Throughout his career, Brian has authored numerous articles on environmental and energy law, sharing his expertise nationwide. He is consistently listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America® in Mining and Natural Resources Law.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brian has made substantial contributions to his community. He has served as a board member for United Way and the YMCA and remains involved with The Tom and Frances Leach Foundation, which supports various charitable organizations. His dedication spans nearly 40 years, highlighting his ongoing contributions to both his profession and his community.
Elected an Honorary Trustee of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, 2024
The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Natural Resources Law, 2022
The Best Lawyers in America®, Mining Law and Natural Resources Law, 2007-present
The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Bismarck, Natural Resources, 2013
Great Plains Super Lawyers®, Energy & Natural Resources, 2011-2021
American Association of Professional Landmen
American Bar Association
Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Honorary Trustee (2024-present)
North Dakota State Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Lignite Energy Council Board Member (1994-2018)
Tom and Frances Leach Foundation, Previous President, Board Member
“Removing the Operator Under the Joint Operating Agreement,” (1999)
“Management of Water and Water Quality in Coal Mining: A Legal Perspective” (2002)
“Are Landmen Practicing Law? The Legal & Ethical Issues,” (2003)
“Advanced Mineral Conveyancing and Title Issues,” (2007)
Co-authored “Common Issues in Preparation of a Title Opinion,” (2012, 2015 & 2019)
Co-authored “Riparian Rights – Ownership of Minerals Under Rivers and Lakes” (2014)
Hild v. Johnson, 723 N.W.2d 389 (ND 2006)
Duncan Energy Co. v. Three Affiliated Tribes, 27 F.3d 1294 (8th Cir. 1994)
Coteau Properties Co. v. Oster, 606 N.W.2d 876 (ND 2000)
Dakota Resource Council v. N.D. Public Service Commission, 815 N.W.2d 286 (ND 2012)
McLain v. Meier, 637 F.2d 1159 (8th Cir. 1980)
Voigt v. N. D. Public Service Commission, 892 NW2d 149 (ND 2017)
Represented clients in permitting numerous projects and contested cases before the North Dakota Public Service for pipelines; coal mines; electric transmission lines and wind farms. Including representing clients in challenges to permitted projects before state and federal courts.
Dakota Resource Council v. N.D. Public Service Commission, 815 N.W.2d 286 (ND 2012)
McLain v. Meier, 637 F.2d 1159 (8th Cir. 1980)
Voigt v. N. D. Public Service Commission, 892 NW2d 149 (ND 2017)
Represented clients in permitting numerous projects and contested cases before the North Dakota Public Service for pipelines; coal mines; electric transmission lines and wind farms. Including representing clients in challenges to permitted projects before state and federal courts.
