Leif Distad

Leif was born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming, where he spent his time camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family. He initially attended Sheridan College before transferring to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He obtained his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Weber State in 2006 before accepting a scholarship at Valparaiso University School of Law in northern Indiana, where he graduated magna cum laude in 2010. Leif was accepted into the honors program at Valparaiso, served as a research assistant to one of the University’s professors, and he interned with a magistrate judge in South Bend at the Federal Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

After graduating, Leif moved to Denver, Colorado, where he began his practice at a respected civil litigation firm where he represented and defended a number of different types of clients, from all types of trades and general contractors to small, medium and large corporations, to individuals involved in accidents. Later in his practice, he expanded into representing municipalities and law enforcement in civil rights claims and into federal litigation involving oilfield accidents, injuries, and losses. He was significantly involved in an appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals related to a qualified immunity defense for a law enforcement officer which resulted in a reversal favorable to his client and a published decision. He was also the responsible attorney in the handling of complex negligent and product liability lawsuit, with claimed damages of more than $117 million dollars, arising out of a petroleum refinery explosion in western Wyoming.

In 2026, Leif returned to Wyoming with his family to join The Wright Law Firm. He currently focuses on business litigation, family law, personal injury claims, and the general practice of law. He is the proud father of two daughters and, when not working, is usually spending time with his family and their dog, Kona.