James R. Bell concentrates his practice in the areas of insurance law, commercial litigation, defense of personal injury claims, employment law, real estate, contract law, and environmental law.  Mr. Bell's experience includes representation of clients before various state and local administrative commissions and boards.  He also represents both appellants and appellees before the Wyoming Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

         Admissions:
       Wyoming Supreme Court
       United States Supreme Court
       U. S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit
       U. S. District Court for the District of Wyoming

        Experience:
       Following graduation from the University of Wyoming College of Law and        
       admission to the Wyoming State Bar in 1977, Mr. Bell began his practice in Lusk,
       Wyoming, where he was engaged in private practice and was the part-time Niobrara
       County Deputy Attorney.  In 1978, Mr. Bell moved to Casper, Wyoming and was a 
       staff attorney for Legal Aid Services.  In 1979 he joined the Casper City Attorney's 
       Office as Deputy City Attorney.   In that position he gained extensive experience in all
       areas of municipal law.  While there he advised the City Council and department heads 
       on  matters involving municipal operations.  He was involved with municipal contracts
       concerning real estate, professional services, subdivision of property, construction of
       municipal projects, franchises and revenue bonds and was involved with matters 
       concerning municipal water rights and transfer of the same.

       In 1985, Mr. Bell joined Murane & Bostwick as an associate, becoming a partner in
       1991. Since coming to the firm, Mr. Bell's practice has included a broad range of areas,
       including commercial transactions, real estate, probate, wills and estates, bankruptcy,
       employment issues, environmental issues, insurance disputes and claims, personal injury
       and property damage claims and litigation in all of these areas.  Mr. Bell has also acted as
       a special assistant attorney general for the state of Wyoming in insurance liquidation 
       matters.

       Mr. Bell has served as lead counsel in litigation involving such claims as insurance bad
       faith, toxic torts and claims under federal and state environmental laws, soft tissue
       injuries, employment termination and discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age 
       and disability, repossession and foreclosure of property, creditor's claims in bankruptcy, 
       and breach of contract and warranties under the U.C.C.

        Professional Organizations:
       American Bar Association
               Member, Natural Resource and Environment and Real Property, Probate
               and Trust Sections
       Wyoming State Bar
               Member, Wyoming Pattern Jury Instructions Committee (1999)
       Natrona County Bar Association
       Defense Lawyers Association of Wyoming (DLAW)
       American Law Firm Association (ALFA)
       Deputy and County Prosecuting Attorney for Niobrara County (1978)
       Board of Directors of Legal Aid Service, Inc. (1988-1995)
               Chairman (1990-1991)

        Lectures & Seminars
       Mr. Bell has spoken and participated in giving seminars on various legal topics within
       his areas of practice to attorneys and business leaders through Lorman Education
       Services, the National Business Institute and to groups such as the Wyoming
       Association of Municipalities, the Wyoming Trucking Association and Leadership
       Casper.  

        Education
       Legal - J.D., University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming (1976)
               Activities:     Student Member, Wyoming Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction
                                  Committee (1976)

       Undergraduate - B. S., University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming (1974)
               Major:        Biology
               Activities:    ASUW Student Senate

        Civic Organizations
       Casper Area Chamber of Commerce
               Board Member
       National Historic Trails Center Foundation, Inc.
       Business Resource Council
       Kelly Walsh Boosters

The Wyoming State Bar does not certify any lawyer as a
specialist or expert.  Anyone considering a lawyer should
independently investigate the lawyer's credentials
and ability, and not rely upon advertisements
or self-proclaimed expertise.

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