2024 Solo, Small & Rural Law Forum

Jared D. Correia, Esq. is a former practicing lawyer who has been a business management consultant, exclusively for law firms, since 2008. In that time, Correia has worked with thousands of law firms all over the world ranging in size from solo offices to Big Law firms. He is an internationally recognized legal technology expert. Correia is the founder and CEO of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, which offers services directly to lawyers, as well as through bar associations for member attorneys. Correia has been the host of the Legal Toolkit podcast on Legal Talk Network since 2009. He is also the host of the NonEventcast podcast for Above the Law, as well as a frequent contributor to its NonEvent legal technology hub. Correia is a regular presenter for legal organizations and often writes for law firm business management publications.

In 2017, Bailey Bennett Lazzari opened Lazzari Legal, LLC in Lander, Wyoming. Since then, she has provided criminal representation throughout the State in all jurisdictions including Municipal, State, Federal, and Tribal Courts. Recently voted “Rising Star” by the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association in 2023, Ms. Lazzari works tirelessly to provide curated, first-class legal representation to her clients big and small.

Jason A. Matzen, founder of Matzen Legal, LLC in Laramie, Wyoming, offers a fresh and dynamic approach to his criminal defense work. While his passion centers on criminal representation, he also provides robust civil litigation services, including personal injury and business litigation. Emphasizing practical solutions, Jason blends courtroom finesse with a strategic understanding of motions practice to secure favorable outcomes. With a track record of positive results, he advocates tirelessly, ensuring comprehensive representation informed by his deep roots in Wyoming.

Melinda McCorkle has served as Deputy Bar Counsel for the Wyoming State Bar since January 2020. As Deputy Bar Counsel, Melinda’s primary duties are regulatory in nature, but she also routinely assists attorneys with Ethics Hotline issues. In 2020, Melinda taught Professional Responsibility at her alma mater, the University of Wyoming College of Law, and taught Tort Law at the Laramie County Community College from 2016-2018.

Prior to accepting the position of Deputy Bar Counsel, Melinda defended numerous attorneys in malpractice actions and represented attorneys in all matters relating to licensure and discipline before the Wyoming State Bar. Melinda also served as an Assistant District Attorney from 2006-2010 and clerked for Judge Clarence A. Brimmer, United States District Court of Wyoming, from 2004-2005.

Melinda graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law, magna cum laude, in 2004, and from the University of South Carolina, magna cum laude, in 1999 (B.A., Journalism).

Vaughn H. Neubauer, a seasoned trial and criminal defense attorney from Wyoming, brings over 22 years of experience to his practice. With a history of trying hundreds of cases, including nine high-profile homicides, he is qualified to lead defense in death penalty cases, having saved two from facing death row. His expertise spans a wide range of charges, from murder to DUIs, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a focus on delivering favorable outcomes. Vaughn's commitment to justice is evident in his dedication to ensuring fair trials and safeguarding clients' rights at every stage of the legal process.

Kelly M. Neville is Of Counsel with Brown & Hiser LLC with a practice focusing on estate, business and banking law. She previously served as General Counsel and Senior Compliance Officer for Western States Bank until its acquisition by First National Bank of Omaha and continued her banking work with FNBO's Legal, Risk and Compliance team. She is admitted to practice in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska and holds a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager certification.

Kelly is currently treasurer and a past president of the Wyoming State Bar, head of the Bar’s Small/Solo/Rural Practice working group and a volunteer with various other Wyoming Bar groups. She is president-elect of the Laramie Rotary Club and heads the club’s international service projects. Kelly graduated from Tulane Law School with a focus in international law and oil and gas. Before attending law school, she worked in the consulting division of Arthur Andersen and as a foreign affairs analyst for the United States Senate Budget Committee. She also worked with the U.S. Treasury foreign office in Moscow, Russia, to establish a Russian consumer sentiment index.

Crystal D. Stewart is an attorney at Pence and MacMillan LLC and has been with the firm since 2019. She is a versatile litigator with a focus on misdemeanor and felony criminal defense, as well as general civil litigation, including evictions, contract, and business litigation. Crystal provides legal services throughout Wyoming, representing clients in municipal, circuit, and district courts, and in administrative proceedings. Crystal is an aggressive and talented advocate for her clients and is truly passionate about helping those in need. She fights tirelessly for those facing criminal charges and works diligently to obtain the best results.

Ted Sutton is an attorney licensed in Wyoming and Nevada. Ted attended the University of Utah where he graduated with a B.S. in Mining Engineering in 2018. The following year, Ted attended the University of Wyoming College of Law, where he served as the Student Director of the Business & Entrepreneurship Practicum. He graduated from law school in May 2022.

His firms, Corporate Direct and Sutton Law Center, have offices in Casper, Wyoming, Reno, Nevada, and Minden, Nevada. Corporate Direct provides Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) compliance and registered agent services. CorporateDirect.com and Corporate Direct’s YouTube channel also offer additional articles and videos on the CTA

Paul J. Unger is an attorney and nationally recognized speaker, author and thought leader in the legal technology industry. Paul is a founding partner and general counsel for Affinity Consulting Group.

He is the author of dozens of legal technology manuals and publications, including recent published books, Tame the Digital Chaos – A Lawyer’s Guide to Distraction, Time, Task & Email Management and PowerPoint for Legal Professionals.

He has served as Chair of the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center and Chair of ABA TECHSHOW. In his spare time, he likes to run, swim, write, and restore historic homes.