About Roger G
Roger G Cotner has spent more than four decades in the law. He earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1979 after completing a B.A. in political science at Wittenberg University in 1970. Those credentials set the stage for a long practice centered in Michigan.
Soon after law school, Cotner moved into private practice. In 1982 he opened his own firm, Cotner Law Offices, where he serves as lawyer and owner. He has run the firm for many years. The office represents individuals in matters that relate to consumer financial distress. Cotner's workday often involves courtroom appearances, client consultations and the drafting of petitions and motions.
Over time he became involved in professional organizations that align with his practice. He has been a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys since 1995. He also joined the Debtors Bar of West Michigan and has served on its board since 2009. Those roles have kept him connected to colleagues who handle consumer bankruptcy and bankruptcy-adjacent issues across the state and beyond. Participation in these groups has also provided opportunities to stay current on changes in bankruptcy procedure and case law.
Cotner's practice is anchored in the Michigan legal system. He has worked with clients facing foreclosure, wage garnishment and mounting unsecured debt. He represents debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings, and he handles related matters that arise during and after bankruptcy cases. His approach to individual files tends to be procedural and focused on resolving the immediate legal issues that stand between clients and financial stability.
Colleagues and clients have known him as a persistent advocate during contested hearings and a careful drafter in uncontested matters. He balances courtroom preparation with efforts to explore negotiated solutions when that path makes sense for a client. He has maintained a steady private practice in Michigan since establishing his firm more than forty years ago.
Cotner continues to practice from Cotner Law Offices. He remains active in the Debtors Bar of West Michigan and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He currently focuses on consumer bankruptcy and related debtor matters.
