Support Staff – Rachel Leader

Legal Assistant

Rachel Leader is a skilled Legal Assistant with a wide-ranging professional background and a commitment to excellence. Her proficiency in project management, conflict resolution, and administrative tasks makes her a good fit on the Laird Cowley team. Rachel oversees case file management, drafts legal documents, and ensures effective communication among parties, providing essential support to the firm’s clients, attorneys, and staff.

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Rachel takes immense pride in her Southern heritage. She spent ten years living in Austin, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Education, graduating Cum Laude from St. Edward’s University. Her education equipped her with critical skills in research, communication, organization, time management, and interpersonal relations, all of which have been instrumental in her legal career.

Before working as a Legal Assistant, Rachel served as an Advanced Placement Language and Composition and American Literature Teacher at Eanes Independent School District. Her impactful educational methodologies and curriculum development demonstrated her commitment to fostering critical thinking and rhetorical skills among her students. This experience of engaging directly with affected youth and navigating the complexities of the American educational system catalyzed her interest in pursuing a career within the legal field.

Rachel moved to Missoula in 2022 and began working as a Legal Assistant for a Telecommunications Law Consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. There, she gained valuable insight and experience, working to conduct detailed legal research, collect and organize data, and draft and revise legal narratives for the Federal Communications Commission. As a result of her detail-oriented and high-quality work, she earned a peer review rating of five out of five stars.

Rachel attributes her professional achievements to her skill in fostering and maintaining meaningful relationships. Her keen ability to communicate clearly and consistently, stay organized, and pay close attention to detail have been instrumental to her success. She is passionate about engaging with individuals on a personal level and excels in the art of conversation. She believes that transparent and sincere communication is pivotal in understanding oneself and others.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Rachel has a fervent appreciation for live music, enjoys hot yoga, and cherishes her time outdoors—a primary motivation for her move to Montana. She is particularly fond of backpacking, exploring local hiking trails, and skiing at Snowbowl, all of which allow her to indulge in her love for nature and adventure.