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Member Services
Casemaker
Wyoming Professional Assistance Program(WPAP)
Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union
Lawyer Mentoring
Listserves
Practice Sections
Teleconferencing
Wyoming Law Review
Meeting/Deposition Rooms
FREE Notary Services
Casemaker
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Casemaker 2.1 User Guide
The Wyoming State Bar is pleased to offer Casemaker, an online law library, as a member benefit. Casemaker's comprehensive database is packed with legal materials and information that is continuously updated and expanding all the time.
The website has been designed to accommodate the average practitioner. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to easily navigate the library. The libraries have been organized to allow even novice users the ability to quickly locate and analyze required cases or codes.
Users can readily find the currency of the materials. By viewing the currency page they know that they can trust the relevance of the selected materials.
Twenty-eight states have chosen to join the Casemaker Consortium. Because of this partnership, members of these state-wide associations have free, unlimited access to the libraries.
Casemaker has legal libraries for all 50 states. Consortium member libraries generally include:
- Case Law - historic to current (average starting point 1924)
- Statutes
- Codes
- Court Rules
- State Constitutions
- Attorney General Opinions
Casemaker's Federal library consists of:
- Opinions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Circuit Courts
- U.S. District Courts
- U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
- Federal Court Rules
- U.S. Code
- Federal Code of Regulations
- Links to Federal Court Forms
Questions about Casemaker?
Please download the Casemaker 2.1 User Guide or refer to the Help link on the top of the Casemaker page. Also take advantage of the Casemaker Help Desk by calling (877) 659-0801 (toll free) or e-mail the Help Desk at helpdesk@lawriter.net.
Wyoming Professional Assistance Program (WPAP)
What is the Wyoming Professional Assistance Program?
The Wyoming Professional Assistance Program (WPAP) provides for confidential identification, peer intervention and rehabilitation of any Wyoming attorney whose professional performance is impaired because of physical or mental illness, including chemical dependency and alcoholism. WPAP also contributes to the protection of the public, the improvement of the integrity and reputation of the legal profession, and, because assistance to an impaired lawyer often prevents future ethical violations, the reduction of disciplinary actions against impaired attorneys.
What are the warning signs that indicate an attorney may need help?
- experiencing increasing problems coping with clients or with the stress of practice
- becoming depressed, angry, or abusive
- drinking more than a moderate amount or showing personality changes when drinking
- self-prescribing mood altering drugs
- experiencing increasing sexual or relationship problems
- constantly placing work ahead of personal and family needs to the detriment of either
- becoming overtired or burned out
- experiencing increasing financial, legal problems, malpractice suits, divorce, DUI's
How does the program work?
There are two ways the WPAP is made aware of an attorney with a potential problem: 1) a voluntary referral, or 2) an involuntary referral.
- Voluntary Referral
- Option #1: The attorney makes direct contact with the program.
- Option #2: Other interested parties (i.e. spouse, partner, friend, colleague, judge) contact WPAP to arrange an intervention.
Intervention begins by WPAP staff making contact with various other interested parties to confirm a problem exists, the nature of the problem, and develops a plan for intervention.
Intervention takes place by the WPAP staff member and selected interested parties (including another attorney in recovery, if available and willing) meeting with the attorney to discuss the problem and urge the attorney to take appropriate steps to address it.
If the attorney refuses help or to address the problem, the matter is dropped. NOTE: under this scenario, there has been no involvement of Bar Counsel or the Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR).
If the attorney agrees a problem exists, arrangements are made to meet with the staff of WPAP, undergo testing and evaluation, devise a treatment plan and enter into a contract with the WPAP for treatment and recovery. Costs of treatment and recovery are the responsibility of the impaired attorney.
If the attorney fails to complete the terms and conditions of the contract, the matter is dropped.
All matters pertaining to a Voluntary Referral are strictly confidential. The Wyoming State Bar will be given only statistical information - no names.
- Involuntary Referral
An involuntary referral is generated due to a grievance or complaint of some ethical violation reported to Bar Counsel that is coupled with implications of impairment.
If the attorney does not agree with the referral, the disciplinary process takes its course. If the attorney does agree with the referral, he/she would fall under Section 14 of the Disciplinary Code, which is the BPR-approved diversionary program. The attorney would ultimately enter into a contract with Bar Counsel as well as WPAP. In regard to the WPAP contract, neither Bar Counsel nor the BPR are aware of the exact terms of the contract; they are only informed whether or not the attorney is complying with it.
Entering into the contract and the success of treatment and recovery may play a role in the ultimate disposition of the grievance. In any event, it is the goal of the program to assist the attorney in returning to the legal profession and society as a productive member.
While confidentiality between the attorney and WPAP is waived regarding entry into and progress, or lack of progress, through the program, only Bar Counsel and/or the Board of Professional Responsibility will be aware of the name and status of the attorney. Again, unless disciplinary action is made public as allowed by the Rules, the Wyoming State Bar will be given only statistical information - no names.
What are the costs associated with the program?
The Wyoming State Bar has contracted with WPAP for an annual fee equal to 10% of the license fees for resident, active members of the Wyoming State Bar. These funds will provide for early intervention, appropriate treatment referrals and structured monitoring for attorneys who exhibit an impairment to practice with reasonable skill and ability caused or exacerbated by psychoactive substance use disorders. Costs of treatment and recovery are the responsibility of the impaired attorney.
What is WPAP unable to do?
The Wyoming Professional Assistance Program is NOT a treatment program.
How do I contact WPAP?
(307) 472-1222
Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union
Members of the Wyoming State Bar are eligible for membership in Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded more than 50 years ago on the philosophy of people helping people. Meridian Trust offers a full range of services with personalized options and highly competitive rates, including:
- Savings, Checking, Money Markets and Certificates
- Online Access & Bill Payer
- e-Statements
- 24/7 Call Center
- Consumer, Business and Real Estate Loans
- VISA Cards
- Wire Services
- Merchant Credit Card Processing
Meridian Trust has offices in Cheyenne, Rawlins, Lander and Jackson. MTFCU also partners with Utah Power Credit Union to operate powerTRUST Credit Union Service Organization facilities in Casper and Rock Springs.
For more information, visit www.meridiantrustfcu.org.
Lawyer Mentoring
The Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Mentoring Program provides the opportunity for new lawyers to learn what they did not learn in law school while developing a relationship with an experienced attorney. Mentoring is a vital part of a new lawyer's orientation and education during the first years of practice, and while voluntary, all new lawyers are strongly encouraged to participate in this program. Each participant in the Lawyer Mentoring Program will be matched with a more experienced lawyer in his/her geographic area. Sign up today!
Lawyer Mentoring Protégée Application
Interested in being a mentor for a new lawyer? Complete the Lawyer Mentor Application
CLE Credit for Mentoring
Refer to Rule 4(g)(3) of the Rules for Continuing Legal Education of Members of the Wyoming State Bar
Lawyer Mentoring Committee
Listserves
A listserve is an electronic mailing list to which you can subscribe in order to network with others about a topic of interest to all subscribers. It is easy to subscribe, and if you choose for any reason not to participate, it is as easy to unsubscribe.
The Wyoming State Bar currently offers these practice section listserves:
- Administrative Law Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-adminlaw" in the body of the message.
- Business Law Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-businesslaw" in the body of the message.
- Children & Family Law Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-familylaw" in the body of the message.
- Criminal Justice Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-criminaljustice" in the body of the message.
- Disability & Elderlaw Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-disabilityelderlaw" in the body of the message.
- Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-estateplanning" in the body of the message.
- Federal Bar Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-federalbar" in the body of the message.
- Government Law Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-governmentlaw" in the body of the message.
- Medical Legal Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-medicallegal" in the body of the message.
- Mineral Law Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-minerallaw" in the body of the message.
- Taxation Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-taxation" in the body of the message.
- Young Lawyers Listserve
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-younglawyers" in the body of the message.
The Wyoming State Bar also offers listserves for each County Bar in Wyoming. If you are interested in subscribing to your County Bar's listserve, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.legalspan.com with the words "Subscribe wybar-NAME OF COUNTY" in the body of the message. For instance, if you were subscribing to the Campbell County Bar Association's listserve, you would put "Subscribe wybar-campbell" in the body of your e-mail message.
If you have any questions or have another idea for a Bar-sponsored listserve, please contact Marie Ellis at (307) 632-9061.
Practice Sections
The Wyoming State Bar currently has 12 practice sections:
- Administrative Law
- Business Law
- Children & Family Law
- Criminal Justice
- Disability & Elderlaw
- Estate Planning, Trust & Probate
- Federal Bar
- Government Law
- Medical/Legal
- Mineral Law
- Taxation
- Young Lawyers
If you are interested in joining one of the sections, please click here. You will be required to log into My Bar Page first.
Teleconferencing
The Wyoming State Bar is pleased to partner with A Professional Conference Call (APC) to provide any committee, board or practice section a unique, no reservation, at-will conference service whenever needed. Participants simply dial in on a toll-free 800 number, enter a personalized access number that will automatically place them into their designated conference. This service allows committee, board, or practice section leaders access to a conference call with participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Long distance charges are included in a flat per-minute rate, and the Wyoming State Bar is billed directly.
Anyone wishing for more information should contact Brandi Robinson at (307) 632-9061.
Wyoming Law Review
The Wyoming Law Review publishes articles written by practitioners and professors from throughout the country, as well as case notes and comments written by students at the University of Wyoming College of Law. The Wyoming Law Review is published twice each year, and as a member of the Wyoming State Bar, you receive these as a member benefit.
Meeting/Deposition Rooms
The Wyoming State Bar has a conference room available for members to use free of charge. The room seats 14 comfortably around a large conference table and offers a private setting for meetings, depositions, conference calls, etc. There is a pull-down screen and a dry erase board in the room. The room is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The Bar office also has two smaller rooms available for conferences, depositions, mediations, etc. These rooms are similar to a regular-sized office and can seat four to six people. Again, these rooms are available free of charge to Wyoming State Bar members.
To check availability and reserve any of the above-mentioned rooms, contact the Wyoming State Bar at (307) 632-9061, or e-mail Brandi Robinson.
FREE Notary Services
The Wyoming State Bar has several notaries on staff. If you are in need of notary services, please stop by the Bar office at 4124 Laramie Street anytime during regular business hours, or call to make an appointment - (307) 632-9061.
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