Joseph Cosgrove was first drawn to practice law to fulfill his lifelong goal of helping people who had been wronged by others, especially in a way that would shield individuals against injustices caused by major corporations and insurance companies. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, he has been able to do just that for so many clients throughout the years. While he is known for his hard-hitting approach against the opposing counsel, he is also known among his clients and peers as being a truly compassionate and caring person who just wants to do what is right for the people who count on him.
As the youngest in a family of 10 children of a working-class family, Joseph also understands the importance of hard work, as well as balancing independence with teamwork. He always tells his team and his clients that no challenge cannot be overcome with perseverance.
To begin his professional education, Joseph attended Montana State University and graduated with honors. While there, he played on the club rugby team. Next, he went to law school at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he finished his J.D.
Joseph believes that community involvement is important for a full, rewarding life. He and his wife are active in supporting the Children’s Museum of Montana, local high school graduation activities, and Montana State University academic and athletic programs. He has assisted with the River Trail system in Great Falls, the development of a local soccer park, and the support of local rugby clubs. Joseph is also a proud lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and has been a member of the Giant Springs committee.
When he is not working on a case, Joseph likes to spend time with his family, enjoy the great outdoors, fish, hike, cross-country ski, and engage in other fun outdoor activities. He is also a private pilot, so he loves to fly around the beautiful state of Montana and see its natural wonders from high in the air whenever possible.
Practice areas
Admitted
- Montana State Courts, 1995
- United States District Court, District of Montana, 1995
- United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1999
Education
- University of Montana, J.D., 1995
- Montana State University, B.S., with honors, 1991
Distinctions
Professional memberships
- State Bar of Montana
- Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- The American Association for Justice
- International Society of Barristers, Fellow
Awards & Accolades
- AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Mountain States Super Lawyers®, 2010-2015, 2020-Present
- Lawyer of the Year Montana 2020 - Best Lawyers®
- Co-Recipient of the Appellate Advocacy Award 2007 - Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- Best Lawyers in America®, 2005 - Present
- Best Attorneys in Montana - Best Lawyers®
- Life Member of the National Registry of the Who’s Who
- Inclusion in “2022 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiffs Consumer Lawyers”
Notable Cases
- Seltzer v. Morton, Gladwell and Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher: Co-counsel in malicious prosecution trial obtaining a verdict for $21,350,000.00 for client
- Estate of Theresa Messick et al v. Patrol Helicopters, Inc.: obtained a $2,505,000 jury verdict for clients in wrongful death case
- Baker et al v. State of Montana: obtained a $2,100,000 settlement from state on behalf of state employees for loss of retirement benefits
- Gilchrist v. Dick Anderson Construction and Cooper Construction: obtained a $1.4 million jury verdict on behalf of electrician injured at work site
- Mayo v. Montana Rail Link and BNSF: represented over 100 clients from western Montana in a toxic tort claim following the derailment of a Montana Rail Link train and subsequent chlorine gas spill.
- Duff and Milton v Bohannon Auto Repair: obtained $1,000,000 settlement for clients injured in single vehicle auto accident alleged to have been caused by faulty tire arrangement
- Rackley v. Anderson: obtained a $700,000 jury verdict in federal court for wrongful death of an infant
- Mangini v. United States and Timberline Bicycle Tours: obtained a $650,000 judgment in federal court for a client injured in a bicycle fall in Glacier National Park
- Brown v. Burlingtion Northern, Inc.: represented first railroad worker in Montana found by court to be in the “zone of danger” without significant physical contact; obtained $200,000 jury verdict
Biographical details
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America, 2022-2023
- Fellow into the International Society of Barristers
- Mountain States Super Lawyer, 2010 - 2015, 2020 - 2021
- Best Lawyers in America, 2005 - Present
- 2007 co-recipient of the Appellate Advocacy Award by the Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- Who’s Who and Millennium Edition
