Read Wyoming Lawyer Magazine article about Wyoming’s newest court

Wyoming’s specialized business court

On March 15, 2019, Governor Gordon signed into law an act of the 2019 Wyoming legislature creating a Chancery Court, whose purpose is to provide a forum for streamlined resolution of commercial, business, and trust cases. The act establishes a court with jurisdiction to decide actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief and actions seeking money recovery over $50,000 that arise from claims including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, derivative actions, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the Uniform Trust Code. The Wyoming Supreme Court adopted final rules for the Chancery Court on September 21, 2021.

To familiarize practitioners and the public with Wyoming’s newest court, a high-level overview follows below in question-and-answer format.

What is the Wyoming Chancery Court?

The court resolves business and trust cases on an expedited schedule with bench trials and limited motions practice. Section 5-13-115(b) lists the types of matters under the Chancery Court’s jurisdiction.

When did the Chancery Court open for business?

The Chancery Court went live December 1, 2021.

Who will hear Chancery Court cases?

Two Wyoming district court judges experienced in business litigation—Judges Richard L. Lavery, and Steven K. Sharpe—have handled Chancery Court cases. A full-time Chancery Court judge will be sworn in January 1, 2025.

How do filings occur?

The Chancery Court will use an electronic filing system. Training information, general information, and resources regarding the electronic filing system are available here: https://www.fileandservexpress.com/wyoming-resources/.

What are the rules?

Modified versions of the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and Uniform Rules for District Courts govern Chancery Court proceedings. Additionally, an Electronic Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual controls the electronic filing process.

Where will the Chancery Court be located?

Where is the Chancery Court be located? The Chancery Court has concurrent statewide jurisdiction. Much of its work is conducted remotely, but not all. The Chancery Court and chambers are located in the Thyra Thompson State Office Building in Casper, Wyoming.