Attorneys & Staff

Paul T. Ryan

Attorney, Owner

Memberships:

  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Montana Trial Lawyers Association
  • Licensed in State and Federal Court
  • American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

Paul Ryan was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. An experienced trial attorney, Paul has won numerous jury trials throughout the state of Montana. After graduating in 1988 with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Montana, he worked for Boeing Airlines for several years in Seattle before pursuing a career in law.

Paul attended law school at the Gonzaga University School of Law from which he graduated with honors in 1993. In 2007, he finally opened his own law firm, and Paul Ryan & Associates Attorneys at Law was born. Among his myriad accolades and achievements, Paul is an acting Justice of the Peace and has been named Missoula's Best Attorney 13 times. His clients have received millions of dollars in personal injury settlements during the 25+ years he's been practicing law. With experience in a variety of complex civil and criminal cases, his work has been recognized by judges, other attorneys, clients, and independent agencies. That same commitment to quality and ethics carries through to all members of Paul Ryan's team.

Outside his legal practice, Paul is an avid hiker and softball player. He enjoys getting outdoors during Missoula’s beautiful summers and going paddle boarding or to local concerts. Paul has a 14-year-old daughter who he enjoys playing catch and staying active with. 

Angie L. Miller

Partner/Attorney

Memberships:

  • Licensed to practice in Montana State and Federal Court


Angie Miller graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 2020. She finished law school in the top 15 percent of her class and was a member of the National Moot Court team.

Angie interned at Paul Ryan & Associates for three years while completing law school. Her practice areas include personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and criminal defense.

Prior to attending law school, Angie earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Montana Tech of the University of Montana, graduating with honors in 2017. Angie was born and raised in Colorado. She was fortunate enough to grow up enjoying both the city and ranch life. After high school, Angie accepted a scholarship to play volleyball at Montana Tech. Outside of work Angie enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs. She loves to work out and play volleyball as often as possible.

Abigail Coburn

Partner/Attorney

Memberships:

  • Licensed in Montana State Courts, Federal Courts in the District of Montana, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Federal Defenders of Montana - CJA Panel
  • ROAD Court Defense Attorney

  • Abigail graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 2017. While in law school, she was selected to compete on the trial team, where she gained invaluable experience trying cases locally and at the regional level. During law school and after passing the bar, Abigail worked for a local criminal defense firm until she opened her own practice in 2019. Shortly after opening her practice, Abigail's hard work and dedication to her clients led her to be recognized by the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as the "Rookie of the Year." For nearly five years, until partnering with Ryan & Miller, Abigail ran a successful and well-regarded boutique criminal defense firm.

    Abigail is passionate about fighting systemic injustices in the criminal justice system and has a proven track record of high client satisfaction. She zealously defends her client's constitutional and statutory rights and excels in negotiating, courtroom advocacy, legal research, and legal writing.

    Prior to law school, Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Carroll College, where she also played collegiate soccer. Outside the office, Abigail enjoys spending time with her dogs, hiking, skiing, fly fishing, and cheering on the Griz.

    Lorie Klaudt

    Chief Criminal Paralegal

    Lorie Klaudt has been with Paul Ryan & Associates Attorneys at Law since its opening in 2007, and prior to that time, worked for Paul Ryan and several other shareholders at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind P.C. She has worked in the legal profession since 1984, and has knowledge and experience in various areas of law, which include: probate, family law, adoption, corporate, real estate, civil litigation, personal injury and criminal law. She has worked with Paul since 1993, and attorney Nate Holloway when he joined Paul Ryan & Associates in 2011, as their chief paralegal specializing in criminal law.

    Katie Van Tighem

    Chief Personal Injury Paralegal

    Katie Van Tighem is originally from Boise, Idaho and has lived in Montana for 17 years. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana (2005) and has worked as a paralegal for 20 years in several areas of litigation, most notably personal injury. Katie has worked with Paul for the last twelve years and is currently based out of our Bozeman office, serving as his chief personal injury paralegal.

    Faith Edmister

    Legal Assistant

    A Class of 2019 graduate of Great Falls High School, Faith Edmister moved to Missoula to pursue a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and continue her dance career at the University of Montana. After finishing her undergraduate degree in 3 years, she decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration also from the University of Montana. Faith started at Ryan and Miller in the Fall of 2022, which allowed her to finish her Masters by Spring of 2023. Her favorite part of working at Ryan & Miller is the family atmosphere and the team of people who will always help each other in times of need.

    Adisson Smith

    Paralegal

    Adie Smith was born in Lewiston, Idaho, but was raised in Missoula. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies. She started at Ryan & Miller in the Fall of 2023, bringing her communication and organization skills to the personal injury team. Off-duty, you'll find her playing hockey or working out.