Ryan G. Weldon

Partner

Partner and Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is a seasoned trial lawyer whose work is recognized at the state, regional, and national levels. A former federal prosecutor, Ryan possesses extensive courtroom experience and is highly adept at handling complex, high-stakes legal matters. At Laird Cowley, Ryan handles civil litigation, corporate investigations and compliance, professional negligence, personal injury, real estate and construction litigation, and criminal defense.

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Local Presence & Beyond

Ryan has strong Montana roots and brings a broad perspective shaped by decades of appearances in courtrooms across Montana. Throughout his career, he has handled complex and consequential matters at the highest levels, earning a reputation for diligence, sound judgment, and integrity. As a Partner at Laird Cowley, Ryan works closely with clients to guide them through difficult and high-stakes situations with clarity, efficiency, and focus.

Professional Background & Experience

Ryan is a proud Montana native. He was raised in Townsend, Montana, where he developed a strong connection to the outdoors and his local community. Early on in his professional career, Ryan worked as a Missoula Smokejumper, jumping out of the back end of airplanes to fight wildfires in remote areas throughout the West. This experience instilled a strong work ethic, resilience, and a disciplined approach that continues to shape his work today as an attorney.

Following law school, Ryan clerked for United States District Court Judge Sam E. Haddon in Great Falls and Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice in Helena. Those clerkships provided him with a strong foundation in legal analysis, judicial decision-making, and courtroom practice at both the trial and appellate levels.

Ryan then served for more than fourteen years as an Assistant United States Attorney prior to joining Laird Cowley. During his tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he rose through the ranks and ultimately led and supervised teams of federal prosecutors handling matters involving violent crime, fraud, public corruption, and tax offenses. Ryan also oversaw the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, which pursued civil actions involving healthcare and financial fraud, violations of the False Claims Act and Controlled Substances Act, and enforcement of environmental laws. His work required close collaboration with federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS, ATF, DEA, SEC, Offices of Inspector General, and intelligence agencies, and resulted in significant prosecutions and civil actions throughout Montana and nationwide. In recognition of his work, Ryan received a formal award from the United States Attorney General in Washington, D.C.

Hobbies & Interests

Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and appreciates the wide-open spaces Montana has to offer.

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation
Real Estate/Construction Litigation
Complex Tort Litigation
Corporate Investigations and Compliance
Employment Law and Business Matters
Personal Injury Litigation
Professional Negligence
Criminal Defense

Education

Master of Science (M.S.), Resource Conservation, University of Montana, summa cum laude (2010)
Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of Montana School of Law, with honors (2009)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English, Dickinson State University, summa cum laude (2005)

Bar Admission

State and Federal Courts of Montana
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court

A Dedicated Member of Our Team

Ryan joined Laird Cowley because of the firm’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and effective advocacy. He values the firm’s collaborative culture and its commitment to providing clear, practical counsel to clients facing complex legal challenges.

As a Partner, Ryan is committed to contributing his experience and leadership to the continued growth of the firm. He appreciates the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who share a client-first approach and a strong commitment to the communities they serve.

A Dedicated Member of Our Team

Awards & Recognition

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Invitation-only organization limited to no more than one percent of attorneys nationwide)
Award of Recognition from the United States Attorney General, Washington, D.C.

Awards & Recognition

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Invitation-only organization limited to no more than one percent of attorneys nationwide)
Award of Recognition from the United States Attorney General, Washington, D.C.