Riley M. Wavra

Riley M. Wavra is a Partner whose practice focuses primarily on commercial litigation while also covering construction litigation, civil rights disputes, trust and estate disputes, employment law and business matters, personal injury litigation, and professional negligence. He guides clients through complex legal decisions and difficult circumstances, using careful analysis and practical judgment across a broad range of civil matters. His work reflects a litigation-focused practice that serves both individuals and businesses.

Riley earned a J.D. with high honors from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law in 2020 and a B.S. in Political Science and Sociology, with high honors, from Montana State University in 2017. During law school, he served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Montana Law Review and worked as a clinical intern with the Montana Innocence Project. His academic and clinical experience strengthened his legal research, writing, advocacy, and case-analysis skills.

Riley spent two years clerking for the Honorable Dana L. Christensen after law school, gaining experience with federal court procedure and complex legal issues. His practice now includes commercial disputes, construction matters, civil rights cases, employment and business issues, personal injury claims, professional negligence, and trust and estate disputes. He is admitted in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Idaho, as well as the Tribal Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation.

Riley M. Wavra has received recognition for his litigation work, including 2026 Best Lawyers in America recognition for commercial litigation, insurance law, and professional malpractice law, along with 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars honors. His background combines federal clerkship experience, broad civil litigation work, and strong academic credentials. He continues to help clients address high-stakes disputes with focused preparation, clear communication, and a practical approach to solving significant legal problems.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Laird Cowley PLLC
• Member, State Bar of Montana
• Member, Wyoming State Bar
• Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota
• Member, Idaho State Bar

Licensed State

• Montana
• Wyoming
• North Dakota
• Idaho

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