Steven T. Wade

Bio

• Born 1970 – Helena, Montana

• Raised in East Helena, MT

• Graduated from Helena High, the University of Montana with a degree in Political Science, and the U of M School of Law.

• Married to Jennifer. Children: Aidan, Alli, Caven and Kami

Representative Matters

• Steve Wade was the lead counsel for Montana’s only underground coal mine.   Notices of noncompliance with penalty assessments of hundreds of thousand dollars were issued for alleged violations of Montana’s coal mining laws. Mr. Wade was able to negotiate a 67% reduction of the penalty amounts.
• Steve Wade is lead counsel representing the City of Kalispell and its insurance carrier, XL Insurance, related to a large petroleum release. The City of Kalispell is seeking reimbursement of current and future costs incurred as a result of Defendants’ release of gasoline products which entered the City’s storm/sewer system. The case has become multi-party and consolidated with other similar cases. Discovery is on-going.

Environmental and Natural Resources Law: Mr. Wade has provided administrative and litigation representation for actions arising under the:

• Clean Air Act
• Resource Conservation Recovery Act
• Clean Water Act
• Toxic Substances Control Act
• Superfund
• Montana Environmental Policy Act
• National Environmental Policy Act
• Montana's Major Facility Siting Act
• Montana's Water Use Act
• Federal Endangered Species Act.

Mr. Wade has assisted clients in:

• Complying with environmental laws and regulations
• Obtaining or modifying environmental permits;
• Addressing issues related to Montana water rights
• Representing clients in court and contested cases proceedings for environmental permitting and enforcement actions.

Government Affairs:
Mr. Wade’s governmental affairs practice includes:

• Conceptualizing and implementing grassroots campaigns;
• Conducting public relations during the legislative interim; and lobbying Montana's Congressional delegation.
• Direct lobbying before
  • The Montana Legislature
  • Numerous agencies comprising the executive branch of Montana's government, and local governments;

Corporate/Commercial:
Mr. Wade provides corporate and business representation in the following areas of commercial law:

• Corporations
• Limited liability companies and partnerships
• Corporate and business liability
• Choice of entity
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Copyrights.

Other areas of Mr. Wade’s practice include:

• Business transactions encompassing property acquisitions, negotiating, reviewing and drafting contracts, deeds, leases, easements, promissory notes, and security agreements.
• Representation also provided in the following areas of practice:
  • Real property law
  • Municipal liability defense
  • Insurance coverage
  • Administrative proceedings.

Professional Experience

• BROWNING, KALECZYC, BERRY & HOVEN, P.C.
  Helena, Montana, Partner  1996 – present

• MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
  Helena, Montana, Staff Attorney  1996

• MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS
  Helena, Montana, Legal Intern  Summers of 1994 and 1995