Michael D. Cok - Cok Kinzler

Michael D. Cok-headshot
PARTNER

Michael D. Cok

Michael D. Cok is one of the most well-respected attorneys in his field, named by National Trial Lawyers as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the United States. In fact, his clients have received over $100 million in verdicts and settlements.

After graduating from law school and being admitted to the State Bar of Montana, Mr. Cok joined law firm Drysdale, McLean, Screnar, and Cok in Bozeman. In 1981 he founded the firm of Cok and Wheat with Michael E Wheat, a retired Montana Supreme Court Justice. In 2002, he founded Cok Kinzler.

Mr. Cok’s practice has evolved over time and now focuses on trial practice representing individuals in claims regarding products liability (unsafe products); brain and spinal injuries; medical malpractice; personal injury; insurance claims and bad faith; aviation accidents; nursing home neglect; propane and gas explosion injuries; and claims involving large-scale environmental and toxic pollution.

Mr. Cok is highly involved in the law community both locally and on a national level. He has served on several committees and boards in the state of Montana and is a faculty member of the University of Montana School of Law Trial Advocacy School. He’s also received prestigious fellowships and awards.

BAR ADMISSIONS

Montana, 1978

U.S. District Court District of Montana, 1978

U.S. Tax Court, 1981

U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1987

U.S. Supreme Court, 2005

EDUCATION

University of Montana School of Law

J.D. - 1978

Honors: With Honors

Montana State University

B.A. - 1974

Major: Political Science

Classes / Seminars
Faculty Member

Advanced Trial Advocacy Program, University of Montana School of Law, 2004 - 2018

Speaker

Finding the Winning Focus, Montana Trial Lawyers Association, November 13, 2015

Speaker

New Lawyers Section, How to Prepare For, Take, and Defend Depositions, Montana State Bar, March 25, 2011

Speaker

Judicial Institute for Teachers, Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Committee, February 25 - 27, 2008

Honors & Awards
Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in America (Naifeh and Smith), 2005 - Present

Mountain States Super Lawyers

2008 – Present

Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

Best Law Firms in Montana by U.S. News & World Report,

Martindale Hubbell Law Directory

Rated & AV Preeminent (Highest Rating),

ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Montana Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA)

Sustaining Member 1979 - Present

Montana Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA)

Board of Directors 1989 - 2013

Montana Trial Lawyers Association

President 1998 - 1999

American Association for Justice (AAJ)

Sustaining Member 1981 - Present