Dave was born in Fort Lewis, Washington. He grew up in Columbia Falls, Montana and attended the University of Montana receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in business and finance. Dave continued at the University of Montana attending and graduating from the University of Montana School of Law in 1983.
Dave began his career at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. in 1981 as an intern. In 1983, he became an Associate and worked with Datsopolous, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. until 1988. From 1988 to 2002, he worked as an Associate Attorney at Boone Karlberg & Haddon, P.C. In 2002, Dave transitioned his practice back to Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. where he was a Shareholder until 2017. In May of 2017 Dave started his own firm, Cotner Law, PLLC.
Dave is admitted to practice in the State of Montana, the United States District Court for the District of Montana, United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and U.S. Tax Court.
In his free time, Dave enjoys golfing as well as spending time with his family.
Areas of Practice Corporate and Commercial Litigation Banking Real Estate Business Transaction Issues Creditor Representation in Bankruptcies Entity Formation Estate Planning General Business Consultation Personal Injury
Honors and Recognition
The AV Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell, an honor determined through a peer rating system.
Recognized in “Best Lawyers in America”.
Recognized as a Mountain States Super Lawyer.
A member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Awarded a designation of a top attorney in the Mountain States.
Recognized in America’s Top 100 Attorneys.
Super Lawyers Honoree.
Education
University of Montana Law School, Missoula, MT
J.D., June 1983
High Honors
University of Montana, Missoula, MT
B.S. in Business Administration, June 1980
Honors
Bar Admissions
State of Montana
United States District Court of Montana
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Professional Associations and Members
State Bar of Montana, Member
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Bar Association, Member
American Association for Justice
