JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association (WTLA) announced Laramie attorney Phil Nicholas will serve as the association’s president for 2020-21. Nicholas was elected to succeed immediate past president Elizabeth Lance, from Cheyenne, during the WTLA annual convention held recently via Zoom.
Nicholas entered the practice of law in 1979. Since 1982, he has practiced in Laramie, Wyoming. Nicholas is a trial attorney with broad experience in areas including personal injury, contract, construction defect and lender liability.
While practicing law, Nicholas served for twenty years in the Wyoming Legislature. He served twelve years in the Wyoming State Senate and eight years in the House of Representatives. He was Chairman of the Join Appropriations Committee for ten years, serving in that role in both the House and the Senate. Nicholas also served as Senate Vice President, Senate Majority Floor Leader, and Senate President.
“I have experienced firsthand the important role that the WTLA provides to the Wyoming Legislature defending all aspects of the constitution. Wyoming Trial lawyers are the first to defend constitutionally guaranteed civil rights, including rights of assembly, free speech, property ownership and trial by jury, Nicholas said. “I am humbled and honored to have been selected by my colleagues for this position. And, I look forward to building a strong foundation to continue this support for many years to come.”
Nicholas’ leadership team includes Grant Lawson of the Metier Law Firm, LLC in Casper as president-elect; and Noah Drew, of the Spence Law Firm in Jackson, serving as secretary/treasurer.
In addition to the installation of new officers, three of the association’s members were recognized. Cheyenne attorney Stephen Kline received the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given to a trial lawyer that over the course of a career, in the opinion of peers in the profession, best exemplifies the highest skills and ethical principles of the trial lawyer.
Ann Davey with the Vincent Davey Law Firm was recognized as WTLA’s Rising Star which honors a member practicing less than ten years who demonstrates skills, ethics and dedication to the profession and inspires the next generation of lawyers.
Elizabeth Lance, also from Cheyenne, was the recipient of the association’s newest award, WTLA Member of the Year recognizing her leadership, advocacy and excellent representation of her clients.
