About Ben
Ben A. Snipes: Top Trial Lawyer in Great Falls, Montana – Dedicated to Justice
Attorney Ben A. Snipes is a respected partner and shareholder with the Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. law firm in Great Falls, Montana. Nationally recognized as a leading trial advocate, Mr. Snipes is deeply committed to fighting for the rights and entitlements of individuals injured due to preventable tragedies. He specializes in complex litigation, focusing primarily on plaintiff injury claims, including devastating trucking accidents, serious construction injuries, and unique toxic tort cases like asbestos and mesothelioma claims, alongside a robust practice in work-related injuries and whistleblower claims via qui tam/false claims act litigation.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Snipes has consistently achieved remarkable success, securing substantial multimillion-dollar settlements and awards – collectively, the firm has generated over $500 million in total compensation to clients. This success stems from his unwavering dedication to meticulous investigation, strategic legal arguments, and a deeply empathetic approach to representing those who have suffered needlessly.
Mr. Snipes's reputation is built on an impeccable professional record and exceptional client service. He’s consistently recognized for his integrity and commitment to advocating fiercely for his clients' best interests. This is reflected in his prestigious accolades, including an AV-Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognition as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Montana by the National Trial Lawyers, and numerous accolades from his peers. Since 2018, he has been honored as a Super Lawyers Honoree, a distinction reserved for no more than 5% of attorneys in each state, and in 2019 and 2023, Mr. Snipes and his partner, Mark Kovacich, were jointly named Trial Lawyers of the Year by the Montana Trial Lawyers Association – a testament to their combined expertise and advocacy.
One particularly impactful case involved a $65 million verdict in 2021, achieved alongside partners Ross Johnson and Mark Kovacich, on behalf of 24 Montana farmers. This landmark verdict stands as the second-highest verdict in Montana state court history, illustrating Mr. Snipes’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.
In 2023, Mr. Snipes and his partners were also recognized as 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation by Lawdragon, further solidifying his position as a leading legal strategist.
Mr. Snipes's journey began with a strong academic foundation. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Montana Western in Dillon, where he excelled both academically and athletically, serving as a two-time All-American offensive lineman and receiving an athletic scholarship. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 2008.
As a skilled litigator, Mr. Snipes is admitted to practice before all Montana state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, demonstrating his extensive legal expertise and ability to represent clients at all levels of the court system. His active participation within the legal community is further evidenced by his membership in the Montana Trial Lawyers Association, the State Bar of Montana, and the American Association for Justice, as well as his current board roles within the Montana Trial Lawyers Association (AAJ Delegate), the Federal Bar Association’s Montana Chapter, the Cascade County Bar Association, and the Cascade County Law Clinic. He is also a prolific contributor to the legal profession, having authored numerous professional articles and delivered numerous lectures regarding trial practice techniques.
Beyond his courtroom successes, Mr. Snipes is deeply committed to pro bono legal services, dedicating substantial time and professional skill to assisting indigent clients and serving as a court-appointed guardian ad litem. This dedication reflects his belief in equal access to justice and his desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Workers’ Compensation Law - Claimants
- Truck Accidents
- Construction Injuries
- Toxic Tort Litigation (Asbestos, Mesothelioma)
- Qui Tam/False Claims Act Litigation
- Work-Related Injuries
Awards & Recognition
- AV-Preeminent Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – National Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers Honoree (2018-2022)
- Trial Lawyers of the Year – Montana Trial Lawyers Association (2019, 2023)
- 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers – Lawdragon (2023-2025)
- Best Attorneys in America (2024-2026)
- MTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year (2019, 2023)
Affiliations
- Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- State Bar of Montana
- American Association for Justice
- Federal Bar Association, Montana Chapter
- Cascade County Bar Association
- Cascade County Law Clinic
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Montana School of Law
Bar Admissions: Montana, U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit
Education
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Recognized: Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
- Special Focus: Automobile and Motorcycle Injuries
- Special Focus: Boat Accidents
- Special Focus: Brain Injury
- Special Focus: Injured Workers
- Special Focus: Motorcycle Accident
- Special Focus: Occupational Disease
- Special Focus: Truck Accidents
- Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, 2023-2025
- Mountain States Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2023-2025
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters, 2018-2022
- MTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2019, 2023
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell