Jory C. Ruggiero

Jory C. Ruggiero is an attorney at Western Justice Associates, PLLC, representing plaintiffs in Montana civil litigation. Ruggiero handles environmental, personal injury, consumer, insurance, and other plaintiff-side disputes. The practice includes environmental contamination, toxic exposure, personal injury, insurance bad faith, consumer protection, and complex civil claims. Ruggiero works with individuals, landowners, and other plaintiffs facing significant losses. The work requires careful factual development, legal analysis, and practical assessment of risk, procedure, and possible resolution.

Ruggiero earned a J.D. and an M.S. from the University of Montana in 1998 and a B.S. from the University of Wyoming in 1995. This combination of legal and advanced academic training supports work involving scientific records, environmental impacts, damages, and complex factual development. This training supports the research, analysis, writing, and problem solving required in matters involving detailed records and important client decisions.

Ruggiero’s experience includes major environmental and property-damage litigation, including groundwater contamination claims involving the Colstrip power plant and other pollution disputes. In addition, Ruggiero has acted as lead counsel in significant plaintiff matters and has represented environmental organizations in federal litigation involving public lands and environmental law. The practice involves discovery, legal briefing, negotiation, and preparation for hearings, trial, appeal, or another appropriate form of resolution.

Jory C. Ruggiero serves as a Montana representative on the American Association for Justice Board of Governors. Ruggiero continues to focus on plaintiff advocacy in cases involving environmental harm, insurance disputes, personal injury, and corporate wrongdoing. The focus remains on clear advice, careful preparation, and practical strategy for clients navigating complex disputes and important legal decisions. This experience supports careful judgment and clear communication throughout each stage of a legal matter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Western Justice Associates, PLLC
• Member, State Bar of Montana
• Western Montana Representative, Natural Resources Section, State Bar of Montana
• Past President, Montana Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, National Board of Directors, American Association for Justice (AAJ)

Licensed State

• Montana

Education

• University of Montana
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Montana
  Master of Science (MS)
• University of Wyoming
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges