Atty. David Brian Cotner
David Brian Cotner is a lawyer practicing commercial banking, business estate planning, business formation and 8 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from University of Montana in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years.
Business Estate Planning & More Attorney · Serving Missoula, MT · 43+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About David Brian Cotner at a Glance
David Brian Cotner is a Member based in Missoula, Montana, practicing at Cotner Law, PLLC. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on formation, trusts, family law, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in Montana (1983) and U.S. District Court, District of Montana U.S. Tax Court (1983). Educated at University of Montana (B.S., 1980) and University of Montana J.D. with honors University of Montana J.D. with high honors University of Montana J.D. 1983 Phi Delta Phi (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of Montana American Bar Association Montana Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Serves clients in Missoula, MT and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David Brian Cotner
- David Brian Cotner is a lawyer practicing commercial banking, business estate planning, business formation and 8 other areas of law
- David received a B.S. degree from University of Montana in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years
- David practices at Cotner Law, PLLC in Missoula, MT
Practice Areas Explained
David Brian Cotner's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Brian Cotner handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Missoula.
Business Formation in Missoula
David Brian Cotner is one of 35,326 formation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse formation attorneys in Montana →
Trusts in Missoula
David Brian Cotner is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Montana →
Family Law in Missoula
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
David Brian Cotner is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Montana →
Estate Planning & Probate in Missoula
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
David Brian Cotner is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Montana →
Business & Corporate Law in Missoula
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
David Brian Cotner is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Montana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Missoula
Practicing law in Montana. Legal matters in Montana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Missoula are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Montana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Montana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Montana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Missoula Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Missoula-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Montana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Missoula or all attorneys in Montana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Missoula Choose David Brian Cotner
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David Brian Cotner's practice in the field of formation, trusts, family law, estate planning, and business.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
David Brian Cotner brings 43+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Montana and U.S. District Court, District of Montana U.S. Tax Court, David Brian Cotner can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering formation, trusts, and family law, David Brian Cotner can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Missoula
A Missoula-based practice means David Brian Cotner attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David Brian Cotner Handles in Missoula
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David Brian Cotner has experience with under Montana law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David Brian Cotner directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find David Brian Cotner Online
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David Brian Cotner's Practice Areas & Specializations
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