Joan E. Cook
Joan Cook was born in Spokane, Washington in 1950. She moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1960. Ms. Cook graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1972 from the University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California. She attended law school in San Francisco at Lincoln University School of Law and graduated as Valedictorian with a JD degree in 1983. Ms. Cook interned with the California Supreme Court under Justice Allen Broussard, and was later employed by with Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. Cook taught at Lincoln University Law School from 1983 to 1987. She practiced in San Francisco until 1987, then moved to Great Falls, Montana where she practiced with her husband, Billy B. Miller until 1994, when he was elected Justice of the Peace. Joan went on to open the Law Offices of Joan E. Cook. She taught at the University of Great Falls in the paralegal program from 1987-1990. After the death of her husband in 1999, she moved to Missoula, Montana where she continues to practice with an office in Missoula. Ms. Cook has practiced family law as well as criminal, personal injury and estate planning and probate since her arrival in Great Falls in 1987. She is licensed to practice in the State of California (inactive) as well as in Montana. She has been admitted to practice before the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the United States Supreme Court where she has presented oral argument. Ms. Cook has given many presentations on family law and is a recognized expert on family law issues in the arena of law.
Lisa Carter
Lisa Carter is a legal assistant with the Law Office of Joan E. Cook in Missoula, Montana who has over 6 years of legal experience in family law, estate planning, probate, and personal injury. She also served as the Treasurer of the Montana Association of Legal Assistants and volunteered as a Victim’s Advocate for the Missoula YWCA. Lisa obtained her Master Gardener’s certification in 2005 and enjoys drawing, reading, and knitting in her spare time. She is currently a part-time student at the University of Montana where she is working to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis on drawing and painting. Lisa’s children are grown but she has a naughty Beagle at home to keep her busy.
Terry Halstead
Terry Halstead, ACP, is a paralegal with the Law Office of Joan E. Cook in Missoula, Montana who has over 14 years of legal experience in Family Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation. She was an adjunct faculty member of the University of Montana COT where she taught Law Office Management and a class on writing resume and cover letters. Ms. Halstead has been a speaker on Stress Management, Civil Litigation and Ethics. She received her CLA/CP designation in 2006 and her ACP designation in 2007. She has been a member of the Montana Association of Legal Assistant since 1996 where she is President and has served as President, Vice-President, NALA Liaison, on the seminar committee, and as newsletter editor. Ms. Halstead is also a member of the Paralegal Section of the State Bar of Montana and has been a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants since 2002 where she served as a 2006-2007 CEC Committee member and the 2007-2008 NALA Campus LIVE! Chair. Ms. Halstead is also very active in 4-H and serves as the Organizational Leader of a Ravalli County club as well as serving on the Ravalli County 4-H Council. She is the mother of two, ages 21 and 15 and enjoys being outside, gardening, horseback riding, and just spending time with her family.