Litigation: General Commercial: Wyoming

THE FIRM Though esteemed partner Nancy Freudenthal ascended to a federal district court judgeship in 2011, sources suggest that the firm retains the talent and bench strength sufficient to compete in contentious matters at the highest level. Its principal litigation talents lie in the Sheridan and Cheyenne offices, where it acts for a number of clients including large landowners.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Name partner Kim Cannon is sought out for his adroit handling of contentious matters throughout the state. Sources offer some strong praise, describing him as a "good lawyer" and "leader in Sheridan." 

Cheyenne partner Kate Fox is highly accomplished in employment and general commercial litigation. She earns "lots of respect" from peers, who identify her as a worthy advocate. Key work include advising on a federal court stockholder derivative action.

THE FIRM The litigation team is a cornerstone of this established Cheyenne firm and a common sight in courts across the state. The bench strength impress sources, who also laud the lawyers' respectful and appropriate communication skills. The recent arrival of former attorney general of Wyoming Bruce Salzburg is a major coup.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Mincer is "outstanding as a relationship partner," according to sources, who also praise his "thorough and to-the-point writing style." His areas of expertise include insurance and wrongful death matters. He recently obtained summary judgment for a transportation client over a personal injury claim. 

Gary Scott divides his time between employment disputes and commercial litigation, including insurance and personal injury. "A very experienced guy," say sources.

Younger partner Robert Jarosh is "developing nicely as a trial attorney." He operates across employment and general commercial litigation.

Billie Addleman's talents are being recognized at a high level in the market, aided by his recent promotion to partner. He has grasped well "the need for responsiveness - he is very good at returning calls and emails and at drafting documents."

THE FIRM This Denver-headquartered firm's Wyoming practice is split between offices in Cheyenne and Jackson. Its litigation team is sought after for its broad geographical reach and its persuasive advocacy, which includes expertise in oil and gas matters. Key clients include Basin Electric Power Cooperative, ConocoPhillips and Shell.

THE FIRM Pat Day practices out of the Cheyenne office. Sources praise his ability to litigate his way out of almost any situation on account of his being "superbly well prepared." His principal clients are in the energy sector, and he recently acted as lead counsel for the Coalition for Responsible Regulation in a challenge to an environmental finding.

Cheyenne partner Walter Eggers brings his experience as a former assistant district attorney to his private practice, which focuses on advising energy entities in front of regulatory boards. He is "timely, thoughtful and experienced," according to one source, who also notes that he "anticipates problems and issues." 

Joe Teig practices out of the firm's Jackson Hole office, where he has a reputation for personal injury work. He is also admitted to practice in Colorado.

THE FIRM This true-blue Wyoming firm has an impressive pedigree and can offer clients a first-rate understanding of the nuances of the state's businesses, government and economy. Its 15-lawyer Casper office earns particular praise for the quality of its general commercial litigation, insurance defense and personal injury work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Name partner and cofounder Frank Neville is noted for his strength in medical malpractice defense, although his practice extends to a range of general commercial litigation. His place within the American College of Trial Lawyers is certainly well deserved. 

Patrick Murphy is now in his 33rd year of practice. He is "a key guy," according to sources, who praise in particular his superb command of the law. 

Scott Ortiz is a "good younger attorney" in the firm who splits his time across litigation and employment matters. He is also an experienced trial lawyer.

Another firm founder, Richard Day, was employed in the oil and gas sector before entering private practice. He is one of the most experienced lawyers currently practicing in the state and, although not working with the same intensity as in the past, is still held in high regard by market sources.

THE FIRM This two-partner practice operates out of a single office in Casper. It is particularly well regarded for mediation and medical malpractice work, earning praise from market sources.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Brinkerhoff is distinguished as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has broad litigation experience, but wins special praise as "one of the top medical malpractice lawyers in the state." 

Mark Gifford serves as counsel for the Wyoming state Bar, and maintains a substantial private practice. He has extensive litigation and trial experience, and nowadays enjoys a "great state reputation" for his mediation work.

THE FIRM This ten-lawyer firm has offices in Cheyenne and Laramie. It has a reputable contentious practice that services clients which include major players from the oil and gas arena. Recent engagements include construction and stockholder litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected Paul Hickey leads the firm's litigation group. He is a fellow and the current state chair of the American College of Trial Lawyers; he is highly regarded for his courtroom skills.

THE FIRM This three-partner shop is now in its 55th year of trading. It has built a strong reputation, particularly for its prowess in medical malpractice suits.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corinne Rutledge, a former assistant state public defender, is singled out for her "great medical malpractice" work.

The same is true of Kent Rutledge, whose practice also incorporates general commercial and insurance litigation. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

THE FIRM This Denver firm has notable presence in Wyoming, with a three-attorney Casper office assisting clients across a range of disputes. Industry expertise within the group includes energy and natural resources and insurance.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Sullivan heads up the litigation and mediation practice. This former governor of Wyoming is a highly respected figure and a trusted hand for both mediation and trial work.

THE FIRM This six-attorney civil litigation boutique retains a good reputation in the state, attracting marquee names such as Walmart and BNSF Railway. Its broad offering covers, among other things, professional malpractice, product liability, contracts, employment, insurance, construction and energy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Powers is an "extremely bright attorney, and has a really good legal mind," according to sources. His litigation practice sees him tackle trial and appellate work with aplomb, including notable medical malpractice matters. 

John Sundahl is commended as "a very good trial lawyer, who is very good and comfortable in front of a jury," according to sources. His principal areas of practice include medical malpractice and personal injury. 

Paul Kapp is a recognized name who is said by sources to be a pleasure to work with. He is active in areas including product liability and personal injury. 

Kay Bestol is an impressively smart lawyer who does well for her clients. Her practice includes insurance defense and professional liability. 

Raymond Martin represents a sound choice of counsel in general commercial litigation. His previous experience at a construction company makes him a go-to for construction disputes.