Gary Bjelland

Gary Bjelland is a Montana attorney whose transactional practice centers on estate planning, probate, trust administration, and business matters. He assists clients with forming and operating business entities, completing commercial transactions, and planning for tax and business needs. His work also includes agricultural law. Gary brings an accounting background to legal questions involving assets, business operations, and long-term planning.

Gary was born and raised in Montana. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Montana in 1973 and received his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1979. Before becoming an attorney, he was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Montana. His legal and accounting training informs his work on estates, trusts, business structures, and transactions where financial and legal decisions overlap.

Gary advises on wills and estate plans and assists with probate proceedings and trust administration. In his business practice, he handles entity formation, ongoing operations, corporate matters, and commercial transactions. He also works on tax and business planning and agricultural legal issues. These matters can involve decisions about ownership, succession, and the future operation of a business. His background helps him consider the related legal and financial details.

Gary Bjelland is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates and Corporate Law and in Mountain States Super Lawyers for Estate Planning and Probate. His service to the State Bar of Montana includes more than 20 years each with the Board of Bar Examiners and the Group Benefits Trust. He has received the State Bar’s Distinguished Service Award and George L. Bousliman Professionalism Award.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C.
• Member, State Bar of Montana

Licensed State

• Montana

Education

• Gonzaga University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Montana
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges