Joe Layzell, Associate at our Denver law office
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Joe Layzell

Associate
Biography

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.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado
  • Wyoming


Court Admissions

  • United States District Court, District of Colorado


Education

  • University of Wyoming, College of Law (J.D., with honors)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Deans Honor Roll
    • Wyoming Law Review, Staff Editor
    • Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant
    • Research Assistant for Professor George A. Mocsary
    • Beyond the Law: Treasurer and Founding Member
  • University of Northern Colorado (M.S. Sport Administration)
  • University of Northern Colorado (B.S. Sport and Exercise Science with pre-med emphasis)
Experience

Representative Experience

  • Successfully defended a client in a multi-million-dollar contempt proceeding over a non-compete provision; examining witnesses during the hearing and ultimately assisted in obtaining a ruling that denied the plaintiffs’ multiple motions at issue.

*The result does not predict the same outcome for others.*

 

Previous Professional Experience

  • Hon. Kelly H. Rankin, U.S. District Judge, District of Wyoming, Law Clerk (2022 – 2024) [Formerly Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge 2012 – March 2024]
  • Hon. Kelly H. Rankin, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge, District of Wyoming, Legal Extern (2021 – 2022)
  • Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Civil Division Intern (2021)
  • Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Janet D. Steiger Fellow (2020)

Representative Presentations and Publications