Jane E. Cowley

Jane E. Cowley is a Montana family law attorney and Partner with more than two decades of legal experience. Her practice focuses on divorce, highly contested child custody proceedings, child support, maintenance, complex property division, equitable distribution, adoption, parental rights, and post-decree matters. She also provides settlement and mediation services and handles employment law and real estate litigation. Her work emphasizes practical decision-making in cases affecting children, families, property, and long-term financial interests.

Jane earned a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2002 and a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2001. She previously received a B.A. from the University of Puget Sound in 1994. Her combined legal and social work education supports a family law practice that requires careful analysis of legal rights, family dynamics, financial issues, and the needs of children during difficult transitions.

Jane handles contentious custody disputes and high-asset divorce matters involving property division, support, and other complex family law issues. She works with clients to pursue negotiated agreements when settlement can reduce the emotional and financial strain of litigation, while remaining prepared to take matters to court when necessary. Her practice also includes employment law and real estate litigation, giving her broader civil litigation experience alongside her family law and mediation work.

Jane E. Cowley is admitted to practice in Montana and has received recognition for her family law work, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers honors. She is also a Certified Member of the Society for Human Resource Management and has received an AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Her practice combines litigation, negotiation, mediation, and a social work-informed perspective to help clients address difficult family disputes with clear guidance and careful preparation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Laird Cowley PLLC
• Member, Society for Human Resource Management

Licensed State

• Montana

Education

• University of Connecticut School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Connecticut School of Social Work
  Master of Social Work (MSW)
• University of Puget Sound
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges