Jason S. Ritchie

About Jason's Practice

Jason S. Ritchie is a partner with Ritchie Manning Kautz PLLP. He has represented and advised employers in several areas, including claims of wrongful discharge, harassment, discrimination, breach of employment contract, and claims arising under the ADA, Montana Human Rights Act, FMLA, and the National Rehabilitation Act. Jason has also represented various commercial clients in contract disputes, real estate litigation, and environmental litigation. Jason advises clients on employment matters, and has given a number of seminars on wrongful discharge, discrimination, and related topics. Jason has represented clients in both state and federal court in Montana, and before the Montana Human Rights Commission, the Montana Supreme Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Education

• University of Montana School of Law, J.D., with honors, 2004
  - Moot Court Team (National Finalist)
  - Served as the American Bar Association representative
• Carroll College, B.A. (Business Administration), 2001

Major Publications & Speaking Engagements

• Editor, Montana Employment Law Letter
• Contributing Editor, Mountain West Employment Law Letter
• Quoted, "Tips for employers awaiting details on new COVID-19 vaccine rules," HR Daily Advisor, September 10, 2021
• Quoted, "Employers in More States See Changing Marijuana Laws," HR Daily Advisor, November 5, 2020
• Author, "Do's and don'ts of worplace documentation," Montana Employment Law Letter, July 2018, and HR Daily Advisor, February 22, 2019
• Quoted, "New Bill Generating Talk About Higher Federal Minimum Wage," HR Daily Advisor, February 12, 2019
• Contributor, 50 Employment Laws in 50 States, (BLR)
• Author, "Writing a strong termination letter, Montana Employment Law Letter, February 2018, and HR Daily Advisor, March 16, 2018
• Author, "Montana minimum wage to increase to $8.30 on January 1," Human Resources News, October 3, 2017
• Author, "Employee handbooks: What is the right balance for Montana employers?" Montana Employment Law Letter, July 2017, and HR Daily Advisor, August 31, 2017
• Author, "Montana employee covered by cattle drive provider's auto insurance," Montana Employment Law Letter, May 2016, and HR.BLR.com, June 16, 2017
• Author, "The three essential areas of supervisor training," Montana Employment Law Letter, January 2016, and HR Hero Line, May 25, 2016
• Author, "When does an employee have good cause to quit?" Montana Employment Law Letter, December 2015, and HR.BLR.com, January 29, 2016
• Author, "Pay for off-duty e-mails," Montana Employment Law Letter, October 2015, and Technology for HR Blog, November 11, 2015
• Quoted, "Late time cards a headache but no reason to withhold pay," HR Hero Line, October 14, 2015
• Author, "Workers' compensation exclusivity alive and well in Montana," Montana Employment Law Letter, September 2015, and HR.BLR.com, October 30, 2015
• Quoted, "Risky business to muzzle employee claiming harassment," HR Hero Line, October 2, 2015
• Author, "10 FMLA tips for HR professionals," Montana Employment Law Letter, May 2014, and HR Hero Line, October 8, 2014
• Quoted, "What recourse does an employer have when an ex-employee steals?" HR Hero Line, September 19, 2014
• Author, "You can't tell me who to be friends with (can you?)," Montana Employment Law Letter, May 2014, and Technology for HR Blog, July 14, 2014
• Author, "Montana's 2012 Minimum Wage Hits $7.65," Human Resources News, December 6, 2011
• Speaker, "FMLA Master Class," Billings, MT (2007 BLR)
• Speaker, "Discipline, Documentation and Discharge -- Avoiding Claims and Law Suits" (2006)
• Speaker, "Avoiding Wrongful Discharge" (2005)

Admitted to Practice

Montana state and federal courts; U.S. District Court, District of Montana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit