Wyoming State Bar approves half‑time WyLAP director and several budget moves including COLA and Law Review opt‑in

The Wyoming State Bar Board approved multiple staffing and budget measures Aug. 22, including creating a half‑time paid director role for the Wyoming Lawyer Assistance Program (WyLAP) and several compensation and publication funding changes.

WyLAP Director Cody Jerabek requested a 50% paid position at $55,000 annually to allow for outreach and preventive work responding to increasing calls related to mental health. The Board approved making the WyLAP Director a 50% staff position, to be evaluated no longer than every two years. Jerabek said the role would involve roughly 20 hours per week and would not include retirement benefits; the Bar will handle payroll taxes and workers’ compensation.

Separately, the Board approved covering both the increased employee and employer contribution rates to the Wyoming State Retirement System, effective July 1, 2026, after the Legislature raised the rates. The Board also approved a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all staff, a 5% merit increase for Executive Director Sharon Wilkinson, and a $7,500 bonus for Bar Counsel Mark W. Gifford to be paid this fiscal year and grossed up.

On publications, the Board voted to discontinue the Bar’s subscription payment for the Wyoming Law Review and to offer it as an opt‑in $10 per issue add‑on on the annual license fee statement. Treasurer Kelly M. Neville said the combined changes bring the proposed budget closer to balance but identified a remaining shortfall in the current proposal.

The Board directed staff to reflect these decisions in the 2025–2026 budget and to report back with implementation steps and budget impacts.