Brett D. Schandelson

Brett D. Schandelson

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 17 years

Lawyer
This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Government Attorney

About Brett

Practice Areas

This attorney has not specified their practice areas.

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Montana for 17 years

State: Montana

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Brett D. Schandelson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (7) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Alex | January 09, 2013

Excellent

Mr. Schandelson accomplished everything I asked for. He kept me informed and dealt with things in a timely manner. I have, and will continue to recommend him to all of my friends.

Posted by Jeff | October 07, 2012

What a Relief

Brett did a great job and always had my best interest in mind. I expected a lawyer who would try to sugar coat things and tell me what I wanted to hear so I would hire him. Not Brett, he let me know the possibilities, both good and bad, and was straightforward...even before I hired him. He even encou...raged me to "shop around" for other lawyers. I think that shows a great deal of confidence and integrity. I have never been in trouble with the law beyond a speeding ticket, so I was not sure what to expect and I was very scared. I was pleasantly surprised by Brett. He was very easily accessible whenever I called, or stopped in to talk. He would take time to talk to me even when I showed up unannounced. His hard work and diligence got me a better result than I expected. It was a very comforting feeling to know that my case was in knowledgable hands. If I am ever in trouble with the law again, (I don't plan on it) I will hire Brett without hesitation. I suggest you do the same if trouble ever finds you.

Posted by Jeff | October 07, 2012

What a Relief

Brett did a great job and always had my best interest in mind. I expected a lawyer who would try to sugar coat things and tell me what I wanted to hear so I would hire him. Not Brett, he let me know the possibilities, both good and bad, and was straightforward...even before I hired him. He even encou...raged me to "shop around" for other lawyers. I think that shows a great deal of confidence and integrity. I have never been in trouble with the law beyond a speeding ticket, so I was not sure what to expect and I was very scared. I was pleasantly surprised by Brett. He was very easily accessible whenever I called, or stopped in to talk. He would take time to talk to me even when I showed up unannounced. His hard work and diligence got me a better result than I expected. It was a very comforting feeling to know that my case was in knowledgable hands. If I am ever in trouble with the law again, (I don't plan on it) I will hire Brett without hesitation. I suggest you do the same if trouble ever finds you.

See All Client Reviews

Brett D. Schandelson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brett
Eric Daniel Mills headshot
Eric Mills

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"You'd be lucky to have him as your attorney. I have seen him be incredibly successful as a trial attorney, appellate attorney and in meeting the expectations of his clients. He is smart, capable, and communicative."

Bryan Charles Tipp headshot
Bryan Tipp

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Brett is positively the most intelligent and motivated lawyer that I have hired in my 28 years of practice."

Alison Patricia Garab headshot
Alison Garab

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brett is the consummate professional. He cares deeply for his clients, is an outstanding trial attorney, and he gets results."

Benjamin Kolter headshot
Benjamin Kolter

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A true champion of those that find themselves under the oppressive boot of the government. Anyone charged with an offense against local ordinance, Montana state law and/or federal law will find a trusted, hard-working advocate in Brett Schandelson. Mr. Schandelson will tirelessly endeavour to right the wrongs perpetrated against you by holding the government to their burden and protecting all of your rights under the U.S. and Montana Constitutions."

Torrance Lee Coburn headshot
Torrance Coburn

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brett skillfully advocates for his Criminal Defense and DUI clients."

Sarah Marie Lockwood headshot
Sarah Lockwood

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Brett Schandelson is a skilled attorney who always works diligently for his clientele. Brett is a talented negotiator, writer, and is also a force to be reckoned with in a trial setting. I highly recommend Brett to anyone who needs a criminal defense or civil rights attorney."

Eric Stepanov headshot
Eric Stepanov

Unknown lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I sincerely endorse attorney Schandelson! The answers of Mr. Schandelson are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would be looking for in hiring an attorney."

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Brett through the NCDD, the organization that provides high-level education to DUI attorneys. He has gained a reputation as one of the best. I would not hesitate to refer a family member or close friend to to Brett. Andrew Mishlove"

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Schandelson is the Montana State Delegate for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). It is within this context that I know him best. What being a state delegate means is that the NCDD has entrusted him with being its spokesperson for the College and by extension every motorist accused a DUI in his state. In order to become a state delegate one must possess the requisite reputation, knowledge, experience and guts to stand up to the Government and truly defend and successfully litigate these most difficult of accusations. It is an appointed position meaning that he has been thoroughly vetted by the NCDD and its Board of Regents. I join the Board of Regents in their confidence in Attorney Schandelson's abilities and capabilities. His dedication to his craft is evidenced by his dedication to training. He has that experience, knowledge, training and guts to help you."

David Lisle Brengle headshot
David Brengle

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Brett at a seminar in Boston. He was one of the best young attorneys I met there. Brett is going to be a credit to the profession."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Harvey Curtis Crowley headshot
Harvey Crowley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. If you get arrested for DUI/DWI, your first call should be to Mr. Schandelson."

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Brett D. Schandelson's work.If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI, call Brett immediately!"

View All Endorsements
Ben A. Snipes headshot
Ben Snipes

Personal injury lawyer

Matthew A Dodd headshot
Matthew Dodd

DUI and DWI lawyer

Eric Nathan Peterson headshot
Eric Peterson

Litigation lawyer

Andrew R Kolter headshot
Andrew Kolter

General practice lawyer

Benjamin Kolter headshot
Benjamin Kolter

Criminal defense lawyer

Alison Patricia Garab headshot
Alison Garab

Litigation lawyer

Eric Daniel Mills headshot
Eric Mills

Personal injury lawyer

Bryan Charles Tipp headshot
Bryan Tipp

Personal injury lawyer

Torrance Lee Coburn headshot
Torrance Coburn

Wrongful termination lawyer

Sarah Marie Lockwood headshot
Sarah Lockwood

Criminal defense lawyer

Harley O. Wagner headshot
Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer

Barry Thomas Simons headshot
Barry Simons

DUI and DWI lawyer

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer

James Nesci headshot
James Nesci

DUI and DWI lawyer

David S Katz headshot
David Katz

DUI and DWI lawyer

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael M. Hawkins headshot
Michael Hawkins

DUI and DWI lawyer

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer

David Lisle Brengle headshot
David Brengle

DUI and DWI lawyer

Harvey Curtis Crowley headshot
Harvey Crowley

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Lawyer of the Year, Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2017

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Defender of Justice Award, Montana Innocence Project

2008

Best Appealate Brief, University of Montana School of Law

2005

Goetz Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement, Montana State University

2005

Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, Montana State University

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Contract and Quality Control Manager, Montana Office of the State Public Defender

2016 - 2017

Secretary of Board of Directors, Montana Free Press

2015 - 2017

Shareholder, Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC

2011 - 2012

Adjunct Instructor, University of Montana College of Technology

2008 - 2014

Associate, Tipp & Buley, P.C.

2007 - 2008

Director, ACLU of Montana

2007 - 2008

Legal Intern, Office Of The State Public Defender

2007 - 2008

Legal Intern, Jasper Smith Olson, PC

2006 - 2007

Legal Intern, Paoli, Latino, Kutzman and Jasper

Associations

2016 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

2009 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

State Delegate - Montana (2009 - 2012)

2008 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2008 - Present

Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2005 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

State Board Member - 2007/2008

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. M.M.

Dismissal

State v. C.C.

Non-felony disposition

State v. J.H.

Dismissal

State v. B.L.

Non-DUI disposition

State v. N.C.

Non-DUI disposition

State v. C.N.

Non-DUI disposition

State v. I.H.

Non-DUI Disposition

State v. A.W.

Dismissal

State v. C.G.

Non-DUI disposition

State v. T.A.

Non-DUI Disposition

State v. M.S.

Non-DUI Disposition

State v. S.B.

Non-DUI Disposition

State v. M.P.

Dismissal

State v. J.M.

Not Guilty

State v. J.H.

Non-DUI Disposition

State v. S.H.

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of Montana School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Montana State University, Bozeman

BA - Bachelor of Arts

2005

Montana State University, Bozeman

Honor's Degree

Speaking Engagements

2010

DUI Training for Tribal Defender's Office

DUI Defense in Montana

2008

Know Your Rights

Panel Moderator

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution