Student Highlight: Bradford Coates and Jonathan Lebsack

Two students in the University of Wyoming College of Law Prosecution Assistance Program (PAP) argued before the Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Bradford Coates represented the State of Wyoming against Julian Robert Marfil (No. S-15-0125) and Jonathan Lebsack represented the State of Wyoming against Steven W. Vaught (No. S-15-0130). 

The PAP provides assistance to Wyoming County and Prosecuting Attorneys, to the Wyoming Attorney General, and to the United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming in criminal cases and in selected civil cases involving questions of significant public interest.

Coates is a third-year law student and also serves as the Student Director for the Prosecution Assistance Program. Brad relocated to Wyoming from Nashua, New Hampshire. Brad's work in the Clinic was motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between students and practicing attorneys while gaining legal experience.

Brad did an excellent job arguing before the Supreme Court and credits his success to the PAP and the Attorney General’s Office. “The Prosecution Assistance Program does a wonderful job of preparing its students to argue before the Wyoming Supreme Court,” he says. “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Wyoming Attorney General's Office in this process.”

Lebsack is also in his third-year of law school. Originally from Arizona, he completed his undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History at the University of Arizona before coming to law school. Lebsack has been very active in the student body and served as the First Vice President for the Potter Law Club during 2015.

The clinical programs at the College of Law afford the unique opportunity to do real work, for real clients, before a real court. Lebsack notes, "The Prosecution Assistance Program allowed me the opportunity to write a criminal brief and argue the case in front of the Wyoming Supreme Court. It was a great experience."

With amazing support from the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, the PAP Faculty Director, Darrell Jackson, and the other PAP students during the mooting process, both Mr. Coates and Mr. Lebsack did an outstanding job. The College of Law congratulates them on their stellar work!