Francis H. McVay is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in criminal defense, appellate work, civil litigation, and family law. He is known for his dedication, strategic acumen, and commitment to justice.

Notably, Francis successfully argued before the Wyoming Supreme Court in Walker v. State, 2022 WY 158, 521 P.3d 967 (Wyo. 2022), achieving the reversal and remand of two jury convictions due to jury unanimity issues. The Supreme Court cited Walker extensively in Person v. State, 2023 WY 26, 526 P.3d 61 (Wyo. 2023), using it to help frame a new rule of law. The majority opinion discerned, “for the first time, a one-size-fits-all multi-factor prejudice standard for cases involving erroneous jury instructions." Id. ¶ 103 (Boomgaarden, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part, in which Fenn, J., joins).

In 2013, Francis clerked for Judge Robert A. Castor in the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Laramie, Wyoming, while also practicing family law as the Student Director of the University of Wyoming Legal Services Clinic. While studying for the bar, Francis attended and graduated from the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in 2015, completing the entirety of its suite of programs.

Shortly thereafter, he began his civil practice with the Injury Law Firm in Casper, Wyoming, representing clients in personal injury, workers' compensation, and complex civil litigation cases. He then became a Deputy County and Civil Prosecutor in Park County, Wyoming, handling misdemeanors, felonies, Title 25 cases, juvenile cases, and Wyoming Game and Fish prosecutions ranging from simple trespass to the taking of big game and trophy animals, such as antlered elk and grizzly bear.

Francis later transitioned into criminal defense and appellate work as both a trial attorney and a Senior Appellate Attorney. He eventually joined Just Criminal Law in Gillette, Wyoming, where he secured numerous favorable outcomes for his clients.

Francis approaches law with a deep sense of fairness and an unwavering commitment to his clients, whether in defense or civil litigation. His comprehensive understanding of the legal system allows him to provide realistic assessments and clear guidance.

A Wyoming native, Francis relocated to Cheyenne with his young family in 2021. He prioritizes spending time with his children and wife, engaging in their extracurricular activities such as soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and track and field, while also supporting their academic achievements. Church plays a significant role in the McVay family, and they actively participate in various church functions within the Cheyenne community. They also enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, backpacking, camping, and fly fishing, often accompanied by their family dog, Yeti.

With years of litigation and trial experience, Francis has appeared in state and federal courts across Wyoming. Now part of Olsen Legal Group, LLC, he brings his broad experience to help the clients of the Olsen Legal Group with their needs.

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