Neil G. Westesen is a Partner in the Helena office and serves as an Energy and Environmental Practice Group Leader. In his more than 30 years of litigation practice, Neil has served as a mediator in construction disputes, tried and appealed cases across Montana and Wyoming, and recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements for his clients. His litigation practice includes significant environmental litigation from the 2015 Gold King Blowout in Colorado. His construction practice involves the representation of architects, engineers, owners, contractors, and sureties. In addition, he has a significant Indian Law practice representing industry clients in negotiations with and litigation against Indian tribes.
Neil was Managing Partner from 2011 to 2016. In that role, he spearheaded the transformation of Crowley Fleck from a Montana-based firm to a prominent regional law firm. Under his leadership, the firm experienced significant growth, expanding from 90 lawyers to 170 and establishing a unique regional footprint. Neil’s strategic vision and team-building efforts in these years solidified Crowley Fleck’s position as a litigation, transactional, and energy powerhouse in the region. He is proud to have played a role in the firm’s continued success and esteemed reputation. Before becoming Managing Partner, Neil served on the firm’s Executive Committee for 12 years.
Neil is a member of The American Law Institute, a prestigious invitation-only organization for judges, lawyers, and teachers. He is one of only 3,000 attorneys nationwide to be invited for membership.
Neil has shared his extensive legal knowledge by speaking to various groups of attorneys and industry professionals on environmental law, construction law, and Indian law. He has been an invited speaker at events for the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, the State Bar of Montana, the American Institute of Architects, the CNA Annual Meeting of Invited Attorneys, AEMA, and the University of Vermont. He has appeared in numerous cases heard before the Montana Supreme Court and in federal cases before the U.S. District Court of Montana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
In his spare time, Neil enjoys spending time with his wife of more than 35 years, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and visiting their three sons.