Our life’s work is protecting you & yours.

Edward J. Guza founded this firm with a mission — practicing law IN MONTANA to help people.

 

EDWARD J. GUZA

FOUNDING ATTORNEY

With decades of expertise ranging from high-stakes litigation to consultation and mediation, Ed Guza has earned a reputation for winning cases and getting results for his clients. Respected for his highly successful track record and trusted for his comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Montana laws, Ed leads with boldness, strategy, curiosity, and integrity. Ed is driven and assertive, yet authentic and approachable. He prioritizes gaining a clear understanding of his clients’ situations, as truly effective advocacy begins with listening. 

A fourth-generation Montanan, Ed grew up in Great Falls before moving to Havre. After serving four years in the Marine Corps, he earned his Political Science degree from the University of Montana, then graduated in 1999 from the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ed returned to Montana and began working as an associate attorney with the Bozeman law firm, Drysdale McLean & Nellen, PC., before eventually founding E.J. Guza & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation (formally known as Guza, Nesbitt & Putzier, PLLC). Ed works hard to carry forward the Montana values he was raised with — blue-collar work ethic, lasting loyalty, and always choosing what’s right over what’s easy.

Ed has focused his practice in the areas of litigation and employment law (OSHA, Wrongful Discharge, employment manuals, contracts), with an emphasis on civil defense of construction accidents, and personal injury cases.

Ed is a member of the Federal District Court of Montana and the State Bar of Montana and the past president of the Gallatin County Bar Association.

When Ed is not practicing law, he enjoys a full-value Montana lifestyle by off-road motorcycle enduro riding, hiking, skiing, and camping with his family.

  • Local Government Law: What Attorneys Need to Know (2017);

    Dirty Litigation Tactics: How to Deal with the “Rambo” Litigator (2013);

    Legal Ethics and Substance Abuse: Overcoming Common Challenges (2013);

    The Mechanics of Montana Civil Procedure (2012);

    Employment Laws Made Simple (2012);

    Legal Ethics for everyday practice (2012);

    Legal Ethics: Solutions to the Most Common Challenges (2011);

    Advanced Employment Laws: Working Through Common Problems (2010);

    Legal Ethics: Solutions to the Most Common Problems (2009);

    The Montana Wrongful Discharge Act: The Essentials (2008); and,

    Preventing Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and FLSA Claims (2006).

RYAN LORENZ

Senior ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Ryan Lorenz specializes in the areas of construction law and criminal law. He combines a knack for clear communication with years of practice in understanding and assessing issues from all angles — forming the foundation of his highly-skilled, professional approach. Ryan is also known for his humor, friendliness, and diligence.

  • Ryan grew up in Helena. He earned a degree in Political Science from Carroll College before graduating from the University of Montana School of Law in 2015. While in law school, he was a member of the Montana Law Review, eventually becoming Executive Editor. Ryan competed on the National Moot Court Team and interned with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Office of Legal Affairs, Crowley Fleck, and Magistrate Judge Jeremiah Lynch. After graduating, Ryan clerked for Judge Ray Dayton in Anaconda, Montana, before joining the Keller Law Firm in Helena for a year and a half.

    Ryan has been helping E.J. Guza & Associates’ clients confidently navigate Montana’s legal system since 2018. Ryan is admitted to practice in Montana State Court and U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. His practice at E.J. Guza & Associates primarily focuses on civil litigation.

    While not working, Ryan enjoys backpacking, running, hiking, snowboarding, chasing elk, and hanging out with his dog.

LANCE CARL

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Lance Carl tirelessly advocates for the firm’s clients with effectiveness and a results-oriented approach. Whether he is winning cases or closing transactions, Lance loves the rewarding nature of helping clients achieve their goals. He takes pride in being part of a team that offers top-level legal representation for diverse and deserving clients. Competent, caring, and hardworking, Lance is also an elite legal writer with strong attention to detail.

  • After growing up in Missoula, Lance Carl attended the University of Washington, where he participated in the Decathlon for the UW Track & Field Team. During his junior year, he transferred to The University of Montana where he played two seasons with the Montana Grizzlies Football Team and graduated with degrees in Economics and Political Science. He partially attributes his successes as a lawyer to the work ethic gained in his college athletics career. Lance’s passion for law began as an undergraduate when interning with the Missoula law firm Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, which led him to attend the University of Oregon School of Law.

    During law school, Lance was a member of the Moot Court Board and the Senior Staff Editor for the Journal of Environmental Law & Litigation. Lance also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Legal Research and Writing Program. Upon graduating from law school in 2016, Lance returned to the Missoula valley and Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind and Cotner Law, working as an Associate Attorney.

    In January of 2019, Lance joined E.J. Guza & Associates where his practice focuses on General Civil Litigation, Business Law, Commercial and Business Transactions, Entity Formation, Construction Law, and Family Law. As the son of a small business owner, Lance enjoys serving and protecting the interests of local businesses.

    Lance is admitted to practice in the State of Montana District Courts, the Montana Supreme Court and the United States District Court, District of Montana.

    When Lance is not serving his clients, you can find him spending time with family on Flathead Lake, skiing powder at Big Sky, or enjoying a beer with friends in downtown Bozeman.

LESLIE TAYLOR

PARALEGAL AND OFFICE MANAGER

Leslie Taylor helps keep EJ Guza & Associates running efficiently and smoothly. With a highly organized mind and caring personality, Leslie is uniquely skilled in her dual roles as Office Manager and Paralegal. From managing many of the firm’s day-to-day operations, files, schedules, and communications, to applying her experience as paralegal to helping clients and preparing cases, Leslie is an indispensable part of the E.J. Guza & Associates team.

  • A nationally-certified Paralegal, Leslie Taylor dedicates her days to taking care of her clients and colleagues with kindness, understanding, and attention to detail. Outside of the office, Leslie enjoys spending time with her friends and family — including her daughter Alexa, and three stepdaughters, Olivia, Grace, and Morgan. She also appreciates time spent at spin class, reading, and traveling.

JESSI YULGA

PARALEGAL

Jessi Yulga has been with E.J. Guza & Associates since 2017, drawing two decades of experience in law, nonprofits, and the political arena. She managed the firm’s office and front desk before stepping into the role of Paralegal. Reliable, organized, and friendly, Jessi thrives on the constant challenge of something new. She ensures things run smoothly, stepping in as needed to assist with particular areas of legal work. Jessi is known for her impressive memory and her focus on excellent client service. She is certified with the National Paralegal Certification and Montana Notary Public.

  • Outside of the office, Jessi enjoys running, spinning, and spending time with her family and friends, including her two children and two dogs.