Northern Plains Independent, Former County Attorney Seeks Return To Office

Ralph earned his bachelor's degree from Seattle University and his law degree from Gonzaga University.

Ralph has worked at his own law practice, served as Poplar’s city attorney, and served on a tribal appellate court.

Ralph J "Jim" Patch previously served 21 years as the Roosevelt County Attorney.

As county attorney, served as legal counsel for the county, prosecuted criminal cases under state law, and provided representation in civil actions.

As an attorney at a private practice in Wolf Point, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients. 

As the owner of a private practice, he oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

As Poplar’s city attorney, he prosecuted civil and criminal actions under city law and presented cases before grand juries.

Working on the tribal appellate court, he  ensured the law had been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercised the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of law by lower appeals and trial courts, and heard applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

- As an attorney at a private practice in Wolf Point, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients. 
- As the owner of a private practice, he oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.
- As Poplar’s city attorney, he prosecuted civil and criminal actions under city law and presented cases before grand juries.
- Working on the tribal appellate court, he  ensured the law had been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercised the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of law by lower appeals and trial courts, and heard applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

Legal Experience

Criminal Justice

Ralph J "Jim" Patch

As the owner a private practice, he oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

- As an attorney at a private practice in Wolf Point, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients. 
- As the owner a private practice, he oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.
- As Poplar’s city attorney, he prosecuted civil and criminal actions under city law and presented cases before grand juries.
- Working on the tribal appellate court, he  ensured the law had been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercised the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of law by lower appeals and trial courts, and heard applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

Ralph has worked at his own law practice, served as Poplar’s city attorney, and served on tribal appellate court.

Ralph J "Jim" Patch previously served as the County Attorney in Roosevelt County, Montana for twenty-one years.

Earned his law degree from Gonzaga University in 1980, worked at a private practice in Wolf Point for about a year, then started his own practice in the early 1980s. His experience also includes serving as Poplar’s city attorney and working on the tribal appellate court.

- Earned his law degree from Gonzaga University in 1980, worked at a private practice in Wolf Point for about a year, then started his own practice in the early 1980s. His experience also includes serving as Poplar’s city attorney and working on the tribal appellate court.

- County Attorneys, either elected or appointed, represent their county and the state in legal matters within their jurisdiction and provide legal advice to the county and its various departments and agencies.
- They prosecute all felony crimes, which are serious offenses like robbery or assault, within the county and handle misdemeanors, which are less severe crimes like petty theft or vandalism, outside city limits.
- A County Attorney may work full-time or part-time depending on the county's population. Part-time County Attorneys can have a private practice and offer private legal advice, provided it doesn't conflict with their official duties.