Law students Nolan Gibbs, Cameron Farrel, Chance Maddock, Adam Weinzapfel, and Travis Roush all come from law enforcement backgrounds, and they share a common aspiration: to transition their public service experience into the legal realm.
The University of Montana’s Alexander Blewett School of Law prides itself on its diverse student body, which contributes to enriching classroom discussions and, ultimately, grooming better lawyers.
Five former law enforcement officers have recently added a unique perspective to the legal education landscape at the school. Each of them brings valuable insights gained from their work on the streets, offering a fresh outlook to those embarking on legal careers while also acquiring the skills to effect positive change in their communities as attorneys and advocates.
Nolan Gibbs, a former patrol deputy and coroner for the Judith Basin and Custer County sheriff departments, expresses his desire to continue serving his community but in a courtroom as an attorney. For Gibbs, who hails from a ranch near Jordan, this shift represents a pursuit of a better work-life balance while remaining dedicated to assisting friends and neighbors through agriculture law.
Cameron Farrell, who spent eight years as a night-shift patrol officer in Baker and Billings, was surrounded by family members in law enforcement roles. However, he chose to change his career path due to the emotional toll the job took on him. Farrell highlights UM’s law school for its hands-on learning opportunities and has already started an internship with the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, affirming his choice to enter the legal profession.
Chance Maddock, originally from Cokeville, Wyoming, initially found the excitement in the inherent dangers of law enforcement. However, after starting a family, he sought a more secure career path. Maddock finds his law classes, especially criminal law, engaging and values the diverse perspectives that former law enforcement officers bring to the discussion, which he believes contributes to maintaining justice within the legal system.
Adam Weinzapfel, a former county deputy in Indiana for five years, relishes being back in a classroom setting during his first year as a law student. He acknowledges that his time as an officer was personally transformative and applies well to his legal education.
Travis Roush, who served two terms as an elected county sheriff in Indiana, originally aimed to work in criminal prosecution but changed his perspective after studying federal Indian law. He now aspires to make a positive impact in underserved areas of the legal field.
Professor Andrew King-Ries, who teaches criminal law at UM’s law school, underscores the value former law enforcement officers bring to the classroom discussions, bridging the gap between legal theory and practice.