FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Denver, CO—March 14, 2025— With sorrow, the Lawyers, Staff, and Leadership of Burg Simpson announce today’s passing of Alan K. Simpson: namesake of the firm, and lifelong public servant, patriot, and advocate of all Americans.
Alan K. Simpson, 93, served as a U.S. Senator for Wyoming from Jan. 1979-Jan. 1997, was Senate Majority Whip from 1985-1987. Previously, Al Simpson represented Cody, WY in the WY House of Representatives from Jan. 1965-Jan. 1977. In 2010, President Obama appointed Simpson as co-chair (with Erskine Bowles) of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. In July 2022, Al Simpson was selected by President Joe Biden as his first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Simpson’s storied history in public service and legal advocacy encompassed his commitment to working with those across the aisle (and opposing sides in the courtroom), prioritizing compromise and collaboration.
Said Michael Burg, “Through an amazing set of circumstances, Al, Bill [Simpson], and Colin [Simpson] became a part of our firm family in 1999 and we officially became Burg Simpson. When Peter [Burg] and I shook hands with Al, we told him we thought the firm should be named, “Simpson Burg.” But Al – with his typical quick wit – said that “Simpson Burg” sounded like a small town in WY and he wanted the firm to be called Burg Simpson. This is a man who had close relationships with presidents and world leaders but was humble and chose to have his name after that of Burg. He was remarkable.”
“Al was a compassionate conservative. He loved Burg Simpson and the firm’s continued fight for the rights of injured people. He was proud of the professional, hard work the firm does for its clients, and going to trial when necessary,” added Burg.
Al Simpson travailed with democrats across the aisle to pass vital legislation. Many of the bills he sponsored were co-sponsored by multiple democrats, including Veterans’ Compensation and Program Improvements Amendments of 1983; Bill to Amend Title 38 U.S. Code extending VA Medical Services; Veterans’ Disability Compensation, Housing and Memorial Benefits Amendments of 1981; and the Joint Resolution Designating the Month of June as National Forest System Month in 1991. He became friends with many of the Democratic senators and they worked hard to pass legislation. While they only agreed 60 to 75% of the time, they worked hard to pass crucial legislation for the country.
Michael Burg recalls a time when he and Peter Burg were meeting with Al in Washington, D.C. at a restaurant – while looking for Al in the restaurant, they found him in the bowels of the establishment, engaging with the cooks, servers, dishwashers; Al cherished and identified with all humans, particularly the common citizens, for whom he dedicated his life of public service.
Al and his beloved wife, Ann, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2024, along with their children, family, and hundreds of friends in their cherished home of Cody, WY.
A memorial service will be held at a time and date to be determined at Christ Episcopal Church in Cody, with a reception to follow at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Center of the West, Spirit Mountain Hospice House and the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.
Burg Simpson: Good Lawyers, Changing Lives®.
CONTACT: Anne-Marie Kopek, Burg Simpson, [email protected]