Joe Layzell is an associate in the firm’s Litigation, Investigations, and Trials Practice Group. He launched his legal career by clerking for Judge Kelly H. Rankin at the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming. During his two-year clerkship, Joe had the rare opportunity to work closely with Judge Rankin both as Chief U.S. Magistrate and during his transition to a District Judge in spring 2024. This invaluable experience allowed Joe to gain comprehensive insight into litigation at every phase—from discovery through trial—equipping him with the skills to navigate cases from start to finish.
Throughout his clerkship, Joe was exposed to a wide variety of legal subjects, giving him the versatility to handle diverse issues for his clients. His strong commitment to advocacy is complemented by the competitive edge he honed as a Division I student-athlete. Joe’s athletic background also provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges athletes and sports organizations face. With this perspective, he is able to balance the interests of both the organization and the athlete, offering effective, tailored solutions to resolve complex issues.