CASPER LAWYER POSTHUMOUSLY HONORED WITH PRESIDENT’S AWARD

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming State Bar is pleased to announce that the late David A. Kubichek, a former Casper attorney, is the recipient of this year’s President’s Award. The award was presented posthumously at last week’s Annual Meeting & Judicial Conference in Casper.

The President’s Award is reserved for a person or organization who holds special meaning for the current president of the Wyoming State Bar. This year’s president, P. Craig Silva, selected Kubichek for the honor.

Unfortunately, Kubichek never knew he would receive the award. He passed away on June 15, 2026, before Silva had the opportunity to tell him.

“David taught generations of lawyers countless lessons throughout his life,” Silva said. “Even in death, he reminded us of one more: never wait to tell the people who matter what they mean to you.”

Kubichek held a special place in the lives and hearts of many Wyoming lawyers. Silva had known him since 1990 and recalled several memorable experiences shared over the years. When Silva was a young prosecutor in Casper, he was preparing to try a case involving a wolf hybrid. Just before trial, Kubichek called him with some advice: “Whatever you do after trial, do not seek the death penalty for the wolf hybrid. It is protected by the Endangered Species Act—and you won’t like the bite of that law if you seek the death penalty.” On another occasion, when Judge Downes was preparing to retire, Kubichek represented the government while Silva represented several mock defendants in a flash mob performed in federal court.

Kubichek’s interests and accomplishments reached far beyond the courtroom. While attending Natrona County High School, he participated in theater, debate, and football and won a state wrestling championship in 1970. During a visit by a Japanese high school wrestling team, the visiting team defeated every Natrona County wrestler—except Kubichek, who won his heavyweight match. He beat the Japanese wrestler with a move called the “Japanese Wizzer.”

He was also an exceptional writer and a generous mentor. He loved the law and dedicated 47 years serving justice at the United States Attorney’s Office in Nebraska and Wyoming. His colleagues described him as the Office’s moral compass. Kubichek developed relationships with judges and lawyers inside and outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Silva recalled that whenever Silva was handling defense work before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Kubichek was always willing to help with difficult civil and criminal appellate issues. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Lucero, as remembered by one colleague fondly referred to him as “The Professor.”

An avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, distance runner, fly fisherman, tireless learner and reader, and devoted Labrador owner, Kubichek brought curiosity, energy and compassion to everything he pursued.

“David’s life changed the lives of the people who knew him,” Silva said. “His generosity, wit, intellect and courage will continue to shape the lawyers he mentored and the friends who loved him. He will be deeply missed, but he will not be forgotten.”

Kubichek earned the President’s Award through a lifetime of service, friendship and influence. His legacy will endure in the people he taught, encouraged and inspired.  Another of his contemporaries fondly remembered him as “A man for all seasons of life.”

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