Young Lawyers’ Spotlights, 1220 WYBJ, Vol. 43 No. 6. 12
| Position | Vol. 43 6 Pg. 12 |
Anna E. Barnes, Barnes Law LLC, Torrington, Wyoming
The Young Lawyers Section of the Wyoming State Bar strives to promote and commend our young lawyers. Tis month, we feature two young solo practitioners in Torrington, Anna Barnes and Colby Sturgeon, both with their own practices.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in southeastern Nebraska on a corn farm and attended Grace University for my undergraduate degrees in Middle School Education and Bible. I taught math and reading in rural Nebraska for eight years. I was ready for a change, and I attended the University of Nebraska College of Law. While at Nebraska Law, I met my now-husband. He works on a cattle ranch in Goshen County. We live outside of Jay Em with our two dogs and our foster daughter.
How did the University of Nebraska College of Law prepare you for your practice? Would you have considered a different school?
Nebraska Law has a phenomenal rural law practice area that allowed me to take a variety of courses (Farm and Ranch Tax, Negotiations, Civil Law Clinic – to name a few) to be prepared to practice in a small town. I was also accepted to the University of Wyoming, but I ultimately chose the University of Nebraska because it was close to family and the right fit for me.
What was your first job after law school?
I moved to Wyoming right after law school and did not know any attorneys. I met with several attorneys in Torrington and was encouraged to “hang my own shingle,” so I did. I have been a solo practice attorney for three years and have had the opportunity to office share with some excellent attorneys.
Who has been your biggest mentor?
The attorneys of the Goshen County Bar Association have all been my mentors. We have a fabulous local bar of attorneys that are willing to share and teach new attorneys. Also, with working in a four-county area, the attorneys from Platte, Converse, and Niobrara Counties are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Did you intend to practice in your current areas of law? Would you change?
I wanted to practice rural law but thought I would focus on business and estate planning. I never wanted to practice family law or criminal law. Combined, they make up about 50% of my practice. Both family law and criminal law have been more rewarding than I imagined. I love practicing in a rural...
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