About

Lorie Klaudt is an experienced paralegal with a strong background in the legal profession, beginning her career in 1984. She completed her paralegal studies at University of Montana -Missoula College and has been an integral part of Paul Ryan’s team since 1993, continuing as his chief criminal paralegal when his firm launched in 2007. Lorie’s expertise spans various areas, including probate, family law, adoption, corporate law, real estate, civil litigation, personal injury, and criminal law. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys staying active on her Peloton bike, traveling to tropical destinations, swimming, and cherishing time with her family.

Katie Van Tighem, the firm’s chief personal injury paralegal, grew up in Boise, Idaho and graduated from the University of Montana in 2005 with a degree in political science. She has worked with Paul for over 17 years and as a paralegal for 20+ years with experience in several areas of litigation, most notably personal injury. In addition to her work with the firm, Katie works on local political campaigns and is heavily involved in fundraising for the Bozeman youth sports community. Katie is currently based out of Bozeman and is married with 3 kids and enjoys spending time her family – running, biking, hiking, fishing and exploring the vast outdoor adventures Montana provides.

Adie Smith, a dedicated personal injury paralegal, was born in Lewiston, Idaho, and raised in Missoula, Montana. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Throughout her academic journey, she balanced her studies with work as a bartender. Since joining Ryan, Miller & Coburn in the fall of 2023, Adie has leveraged her strong communication and organizational skills to assist the personal injury team in securing the best possible outcomes for clients. During her time at Ryan, Miller & Coburn, she also obtained her notary commission, further enhancing her professional capabilities. Adie takes pride in guiding clients through the complexities of personal injury claims with compassion and professionalism. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey, knitting, and staying active at the gym.

Maya LeBar was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but raised in Spokane, Washington. As a Criminal Defense Paralegal at Ryan, Miller & Coburn with two years of experience, Maya is always advocating for justice, supporting clients through the complexities of the legal system. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2023 with a degree in Political Science, complemented by a minor in Applied Ethics and a Social Justice Advocacy Certificate. In addition to her professional pursuits, Maya was a standout track and field athlete at the collegiate level, where she served as Utah’s team captain for two years. During her time in Utah, Maya’s passion for advocacy led her to create the United Together Against Hate Group (U.T.A.H. Group), where she facilitated conversations and educational sessions with fellow student-athletes. Maya’s favorite aspect of working Ryan, Miller & Coburn is the familial atmosphere and the ability to connect with clients in a meaningful and impactful way.

Cara Ollmann is the first friendly face you’ll see at Ryan, Miller & Coburn, where she manages our front desk and oversees all marketing content and social media efforts. As a 2024 graduate of the University of Montana, Cara earned her degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration. Her passion for growth and excellence has led her to pursue a master’s degree in business/public administration at the University of Montana, further advancing her career goals and skill set. Cara’s education and experience allow her to excel in client interactions, ensuring every visitor feels valued and understood. Leveraging her marketing expertise, she brings creativity and strategy to the Ryan, Miller & Coburn brand, helping us stay connected with our clients and community in meaningful ways. When she’s not working or studying, Cara enjoys staying active through exercise, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and cherishing quality time with her family and friends.

Brytni Escalera is from Missoula and studied Political Science at the University of Montana. With extensive experience in restaurant management, she has honed her skills in organization and problem-solving. Eager to transition into the legal field, Brytni brings strong research and critical thinking abilities to her role at Ryan, Miller & Coburn. Passionate about justice and advocacy, she looks forward to making a meaningful impact while contributing to effective case management. In her free time, she enjoys reading and being on the river.