About William J.
William J. Cooley built his legal foundation at public institutions in New Mexico. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from New Mexico State University in 1980 and completed his law degree at the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1985. Those years in state schools shaped the local focus of his later practice and anchored his professional network.
He is admitted to practice in New Mexico and before the Tenth Circuit. Early in his career he moved from classroom to courtroom and eventually established his own practice. As founder of the William J Cooley Law Office, he organized a practice intended to handle matters in both state and federal forums.
Cooley’s docket has included work at trial and on appeal. His admission to the Tenth Circuit reflects involvement in federal appellate work, while his standing in New Mexico keeps him engaged in state proceedings. He handles litigation that requires courtroom presence and filings across different levels of the judiciary.
Colleagues and clients describe him as practical and straightforward in handling legal tasks. He maintains an active membership in the State Bar of New Mexico and keeps current on rules and procedures that govern practice in the state. Maintaining that membership supports the administrative and ethical obligations of his work.
Running a solo or small office requires a blend of legal skill and business management. Cooley built his office to respond to the calendar pressures and disclosure deadlines that come with litigation. He prepares pleadings, argues motions, and manages discovery processes while handling the administrative duties of running a law office.
Over the years his work has required adapting to changes in case law and procedure, particularly at the appellate level where precedent matters. He continues to appear in both state courts and before the Tenth Circuit when cases require it. That dual readiness has shaped how he approaches case strategy and client communication.
Today he practices under the name William J Cooley Law Office. He represents clients in state and federal matters and concentrates his practice on trial-level and appellate litigation in New Mexico and the Tenth Circuit.
