Kallas

• Publication year: 2023
• Citation: Vol. 46 No. 6 Pg. 28
• Pages: 28

Loretta Howieson Kallas and M. Jalie Meinecke Vol. 46 No. 6 Pg. 28 Wyoming Bar Journal December 2023

by Loretta Howieson Kallas and M. Jalie Meinecke

Loretta (left) and Jalie in law school

Back in August of 1997, a couple of gals sat down next to each other the first day of lecture for Ted Lauer's first presentation on criminal law. One hailed from Cody, Wyoming, had a 17-month-old (who is now 28) and a husband finishing his degree in engineering. The other was an over-caffeinated blonde who had recently graduated from the University of Wyoming with a less than useful degree in Journalism, and who was single and overly social. At first blush, we didn't have much in common. Then, the review of the story of Tom Horn united twin flames in an eternal friendship dedicated to fun, camaraderie, love, support, balance and loyalty. The half-sisters were born.

Throughout the three years of law school, we, M. Jalie Meinecke and Loretta Howieson Kallas, found that the best way to balance the rigors and stress of school was by doing it together. After the first three semesters of law school, course work diverged a bit due to Jalie's interest in civil matters, tax and estate law, while Loretta was more in tune with natural resources and criminal matters. While our studies diverged, we stuck together to help each other balance real life outside of school. Loretta by helping care for Jalie's child, by both working as bartenders, by studying together, but also taking the time to enjoy life. We learned how to balance work, home and school together.

Napa to Sonoma

Over the past 23 years, things have changed, and yet remained the same. Both of us have practiced continuously since graduating from law school. Between the two of us we now have seven children, wonderful husbands, busy full-time practices, but still deal with the same stresses essentially all lawyers deal with in day-to-day practice. Jalie is in private practice in Cody and has to balance the responsibilities of her family and children with the often times unrealistic expectations of private clients and the financial burdens of run-ning a small business. Loretta has been the Uinta County and Prosecuting Attorney for many years and has to balance her family life with the often times unrealistic expectations of the community she serves, while working way too many hours for government pay.

After law school, we had to find ways to stay connected and continue to nurture the...