Brian C. Tanko, Attorney

Brian Tanko has been practicing law since 1995, having maintained offices in both Montana and Nevada. Brian’s approach to problem-solving comes from his more than 30 years of experience as an attorney and business owner. His practical, real-life experiences as a husband, father, sibling, professional, and volunteer allow Brian to relate to clients on a personal level to understand and address their concerns. Complex issues such as family dynamics, asset management, risk reduction, and estate administration must be weighed against a client’s goals when considering which estate planning options are best for each particular client. Brian founded Tanko Law Office with the goal of providing personalized service to his clients in a comfortable, collegial atmosphere where sensitive matters can be discussed confidentially. Brian believes each attorney-client relationship should be a personal, long-lasting connection of counsel and service.

Brian received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law (cum laude). Prior to attending law school, Brian obtained his B.S.B.A. in accounting from Creighton University’s School of Business. Thereafter, Brian obtained his professional designation as a Certified Public Accountant with the Nebraska State Board of Public Accountancy and worked as a CPA for Deloitte & Touche in Omaha, Nebraska. While attending law school, Brian obtained the additional professional certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner with the National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Brian is a member of the Montana State Bar, Montana State Bar Trust and Probate Division, Nevada State Bar, Northwest Montana Bar Association, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and National Institute of Estate Planners.

Brian practices in the areas of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, tax planning, Medicaid, Special Needs Trusts, trust and probate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, real estate, business planning, and succession planning. Brian is licensed to practice in state and federal courts in Montana and Nevada as well as the United States Tax Court.

Brian is community-involved and a dedicated volunteer. Brian and his wife Victoria were instrumental in personally acquiring real estate for the founding location of Sparrow’s Nest Northwest Montana, which is “dedicated to ensuring safe, supportive housing and resources for unaccompanied homeless high school students in the Flathead Valley, enabling them to graduate from high school and become productive members of our community.” For over 10 years, Brian has donated his time as a youth soccer coach, high school soccer coach at Flathead High School and Bigfork High School, and soccer official. Brian’s passion for helping others and ability to diagnose complex issues makes him one of Montana’s most sought-after and brightest attorneys.