Friends of the Bar, 0818 WYBJ, Vol. 41 No. 4. 62
| Author | Melissa Mulligan Owens, Law School: University of Wyoming College of Law |
| Position | Vol. 41 4 Pg. 62 |
Melissa Mulligan Owens, Law School: University of Wyoming College of Law
Basic Bio: I went to U.W. Law School and graduated in 1998. I practice in Jackson, Wyoming, where I have lived since I was 12 years old. I am currently the Municipal Judge for the Town of Jackson, as well as being in private practice. I handle a variety of matters in my practice, but with an emphasis on family law. I am also a District Court Commissioner, Circuit Court Magistrate, Substance Abuse Treatment Court Magistrate, a Fee Dispute Arbitrator for the State Bar, and I serve on the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for the Bar. I was previously a deputy county attorney for Teton County, and I served as a public defender in Dallas, Texas, for five years while my husband attended school. (It’s hard to believe I have been practicing law for 20 years.) I can be reached at (307) 733-4930 or melissa@tetonlawyer.com.
The best advice I have for new lawyers is be reasonable! Don’t come out of the gate like a bull when approaching your colleagues. You will be a much better advocate for your clients and you will be much more respected by your peers if you are reasonable and able to judiciously resolve matters.
The best advice I received as a young lawyer was from my father. When I was worrying about work after hours, he pointed out to me that he was sure that clients don’t lay awake at night worrying about us. While it is still a challenge, I have made great strides in not worrying about work once I walk out of the office.
The most rewarding part of my job is helping people through very difficult times. I enjoy seeing them months, or even years, later with smiles on their faces.
I started my own practice because my family is my priority. My children are growing up quickly and working for myself allows me to set my own schedule. Most days I pick my kids up from school and take them to their sports practices. I have a wonderful balance and I hope that I inspire other attorneys to do the same.
The things I like most about practicing in Jackson are how well most of the lawyers get along and how understanding the courts are about scheduling matters around family obligations.
I...
To continue reading
Request your trial