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
Bar Admissions
Montana, 1983
U.S. District Court of Montana, 1983
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana, 1983
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1991
United States Supreme Court, 2017
Education
University of Montana Law School, Missoula, MT
J.D., May 1983
University of Montana, Missoula, MT
B.S., May 1980
Professional Associations and Members
State Bar of Montana, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Mountain States Super Lawyers
Highest legal rating “AV” from Martindale-Hubell
Recognized in “Best Lawyers in America”
