PASSION. EXPERIENCE.
DILIGENCE.
About Cook Phelan Attorneys at Law
CJ Cook and Scott Phelan pride themselves in taking a client centered approach. Whether needing a lawyer for a DUI, divorce, business start up or sale, or a personal injury lawsuit, you will find that the attorneys at Cook Phelan, advocate for their clients in an efficient, cost effective manner.
Contact Us
We get it - legal troubles can be daunting. That’s why we offer a free 30 minute consultation to walk you through the next steps in your journey. Regardless if we end up representing you or not, let’s meet and see what we can do for you help you through this time.
CJ Cook, Attorney
Born in Buffalo, NY, CJ initially chose law school as a “good background for business.” Never realizing that his passion for entrepreneurship would collide with his love for law, he has pursued every opportunity available to him that has allowed him to practice either (or both). From founding a prominent music festival in New York, to establishing a real estate investment firm in Montana, CJ has grasped every opportunity to charge forward in the business world while maintaining his love for the law. Now settled in Bozeman, MT he is excited to see where these next chapters bring him as he serves the greater Gallatin Valley and their family and business law needs.
Even before entering the practice of law, CJ Cook developed a passion for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through selective studies in law school, he found himself honing in on this newly discovered passion by attending Alternative Dispute Resolution trainings in Vienna and Paris, and placing in negotiation competitions at both. Realizing there was an “us vs them” mentality found in the legal system, he wanted to remove himself from the “game” and facilitate the “why” behind “what” in today’s disputes and transactions. Subsequent mediation training, and practice as a divorce and business attorney led CJ to advocate for the “why” and get down to the fundamentals of the clients needs and abolish the “game” that is often found in litigation and transactional law.
Education
University of Buffalo
Juris Doctorate
University of Vermont
Business Finance Degree
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
Advance Regents Degree with Honors
Activities & Affiliations
• American Bar Association, Member
• Gallatin County Bar Association, Member
Bar Admissions
• New York, Montana
Scott Phelan, Attorney
Scott grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho, before attending Montana State University and graduating with highest honors in 2014 with a degree in Economics. He then attended the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. There, he served as the Executive Symposium Editor on the Utah Law Review, interned for a Federal Magistrate Judge, worked for the Salt Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, and graduated with high honors.
Scott is licensed to practice before the state and federal courts of Montana. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Montana, and the Gallatin County Bar Association. His practice focuses on family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, and business law.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Juris Doctor
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Economics Degree
Activities & Affiliations
• American Bar Association, Member
• Gallatin County Bar Association, Member
Bar Admissions
• Montana
Pierce Teeuwen, Attorney
Pierce's upbringing in Grapevine, Texas, nurtured his early passion for advocacy, which continues to drive his work for his clients today. During his time in law school, he excelled academically and showcased his commitment to advocacy. He was chosen to join the Board of Advocates and served as the co-chair for the school's Moot Court competition, where he was responsible for crafting complex legal scenarios for peer review and simulation.
Simultaneously, Pierce dedicated over 100 hours to pro bono service, earning recognition from his school and the State's legal aid organization. His commitment to community service extended beyond the legal realm, as he volunteered with local groups through the Thrive mentorship program, trail maintenance crews, and bicycle donation organizations.
Before his move to Montana, Pierce gained legal experience through various clerkships and externships. His work ranged from litigation at large plaintiff firms to Walmart’s General Counsel Compliance Division.
Practicing primarily in the areas of family law and business law, Pierce's interests have expanded to encompass sustainable city planning, real estate developments, and appellate work.
Inspired by his love for the outdoors, Pierce decided to make Montana his home. In the warmer months, you can find him on a trail, river, or golf course, while in the winter, he's carving down ski hills.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Political Science
Masters in Operations & Project Management
Juris Doctor
Activities & Affiliations
Gallatin County Bar Association
Thrive Cap Mentorship Program
Bar Admissions
• Montana
Shannon Norquist, Paralegal and Guardian Ad Litem
Shannon grew up in Colstrip, Montana. She graduated with the highest honors from Montana State University in 2001 with a B.S. in Business. After graduation, Shannon moved to Santa Barbara, California, where she later enrolled in law school at the Santa Barbara College of Law. She graduated with the highest honors in December 2007 and was admitted to the California Bar in 2008.
While in law school, Shannon clerked for the Honorable Judge Brian Hill at the Santa Barbara Superior Court, and the Environmental Defense Center, a non-profit environmental law firm. As a law student, Shannon was also invited to join the Santa Barbara Inns of Court, an association of judges and lawyers working together to improve the skills, professionalism, and ethics of the bench and bar. As a California attorney, Shannon’s practice focused on business and employment law, civil litigation, intellectual property, estate planning, and personal injury law.
In 2013, Shannon moved back to Montana and took a four-year hiatus from the law, changing her California license status to inactive, in order to raise her young family. She rejoined the legal field in 2017 as a Montana paralegal. In 2018, Shannon became a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA/GAL of Gallatin Valley. As a CASA, Shannon serves as an advocate for children who are alleged victims of abuse and neglect and provides an objective perspective on assigned cases to the Judge. Shannon also serves as a civil guardian ad litem, advocating for children in family law and custody cases.
Education
ANTA BARBARA COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctorate
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Business Management Degree
Activities & Affiliations
• CASA/GAL of Gallatin County
Bar Admissions
• California (Inactive)