Erik Coate

Erik Coate, Senior Counsel

Erik Coate is an experienced attorney based in Helena, Montana, with nearly 20 years of legal practice across multiple areas of law. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Montana State University in Bozeman and received his law degree from the University of Tulsa, where he was recognized for excellence in workers’ compensation law. His practice at Laird Cowley primarily focuses on representing workers’ compensation insurance clients, while also being available for other civil matters and misdemeanor criminal defense.

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Professional Background

He began his legal career in Northern Virginia as in-house counsel for a real estate development company, where his work focused on drafting and negotiating high-value real estate purchase and sale agreements with national home builders. He later returned to his home state of Montana, where he practiced private criminal defense, handling matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including cases that involved potential life sentences. He has also served as a City Attorney and prosecutor.

He brings extensive courtroom experience to his practice, with a substantial first-chair trial background and a proven record of success in jury trials, bench trials, and contested hearings.

In recent years, he has focused his practice on workers’ compensation defense, where he applies his litigation and negotiation experience, strategic thinking, and practical approach to effectively represent his clients.

Erik was drawn to Laird Cowley because of the firm’s reputation for integrity, collaboration, and its unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. He values building trusted relationships and believes every client deserves thoughtful counsel, responsive communication, and an attorney who is fully invested in protecting their interests. Joining Laird Cowley allows him to continue serving Montana businesses, insurers, and individuals with the practical, results-driven approach that has defined his legal career.

Professional Memberships

Montana Bar Association, Member
Virginia Bar Association, Former Member
NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) Former Contract Advisor

Practice Areas

Workers’ Compensation
General Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense

Education

University of Tulsa School of Law, Juris Doctor (2005-2008)
Montana State University – Bozeman, Bachelor of Science with Honors, Justice Studies (1999-2003)

Bar Admission

Montana State
United States District Court for the District of Montana
Virginia State Bar (inactive / former member)

Personal Interests & Hobbies

Outside of his legal practice, Erik enjoys spending time with his family, studying theology, following college and professional sports, and getting outdoors to camp. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he has had the distinct honor of serving as a certified Contract Advisor for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and maintains a strong interest in sports law and athlete representation. Whether spending time with his wife and four children, cheering on his favorite teams, or enjoying Montana’s outdoors, Erik values the balance of family, faith, and service that continues to shape both his personal life and his approach to practicing law.