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Chief Justice E. James Burke announced on July 28, 2014 that First Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Roberta A. Coates will be retiring from the court.

Posted on: August 18, 2014

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact Chief Justice E. James Burke
August 18, 2014 307-777-7557

JUDICIAL RETIREMENT RECOGNITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice E. James Burke announced on July 28, 2014 that First Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Roberta A. Coates will be retiring from the court, effective December 12, 2014. Judge Coates has served the citizens of this state as a circuit court judge with distinction for over 10 years. Judge Coates was appointed to the circuit court bench in 2004 by Governor Dave Freudenthal.

Judge Coates was born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado and lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She graduated from Colorado State University receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in 1973. She received a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1976 and was admitted to the Wyoming State Bar the same year.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Coates clerked for the Honorable James E. Barrett of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. She worked for Legal Services of Southeast Wyoming and was an attorney with the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office. She served as the county attorney for Laramie County. She was in private practice for three (3) years and served as general counsel and vice president for Taco John’s International. Judge Coates also served on the Wyoming State Board of Equalization. Judge Coates has been a member of many boards including the Wyoming State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice, the Governor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, the Governor’s Child Support Enforcement Committee, the Cheyenne League of Women Voters, and Peak Wellness Center. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Cheyenne.

As a circuit court judge in Laramie County, Judge Coates managed one of the busiest dockets in the state. In addition to her regular caseload, she pioneered the establishment of DUI and Veterans Courts. She also instituted new processes to improve the handling of juvenile cases in Laramie County. Judge Coates also served as the president of the Ewing T. Kerr Chapter of the American Inns of Court.

According to Judge Coates, “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens of Laramie County and the State of Wyoming. I have the greatest respect for all members of the judiciary. This position has been a culmination of my dreams as a lawyer and I will miss my fellow judges, the staff, the attorneys, and the work.”

The entire judiciary unites in wishing Judge Coates, her husband Douglas, and their three children, well in retirement.

Press Release

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