Spotlight, 0421 WYBJ, Vol. 44 No. 2. 14

PositionVol. 44 2 Pg. 14

Young Lawyer Spotlight

No. Vol. 44 No. 2 Pg. 14

Wyoming Bar Journal

April, 2021

Mikole J. Bede Soto Chapman Valdez & Lansing Casper, Wyoming

Tell us a little about yourself.

I went to the University of Wyoming for undergraduate school, graduate school for a masters in history, and for law school as well. Since starting at Chapman Valdez & Lansing in 2018, I have been thankful to return to my hometown, Sheridan. My husband, Austin, and I stay busy exploring the Big Horn Mountains with our dogs. I also enjoy spending time with my horses and serving on a few nonprofit boards in Sheridan.

Why did you decide to go to law school?

There was no question that I would go anywhere besides the University of Wyoming for law school. I am committed to Wyoming and seeing it prosper in the future. As such, there was nowhere else I wanted to go to school because I always envisioned myself practicing in Wyoming. The field of law provides me with a profession that allows me to be involved in the Wyoming community and interact with the people who make up that community. The practice of law ultimately fits my interests, personal experiences and personality.

How did the University of Wyoming College of Law prepare you for your practice?

The interactive components of the law school were by far the most beneficial aspects of the school in preparing me for practice. My time and experience in the Civil Legal Services Clinic was invaluable. The clinic exposed me to what it truly meant to be an attorney and provided me with real-world experiences. Additionally, the Summer Trial Institute and Spence Historical Trial Competition were particularly impactful in preparing me.

What was your first job after law school?

After graduation, my first job was with Magistrate Judge Rankin in the federal court for the district of Wyoming.

What has been your most rewarding or significant case or experience in practice?

I have been lucky to serve as the guardian and conservator for various individuals in the state. In many ways, these cases can be challenging. Yet, it is rewarding to provide some sort of assistance. This is especially true for the older clients that are in nursing facilities and who may not have families of their own to assist in this manner.

What has kept you inspired and energized in your practice?

At times, our work comes with weighty responsibilities. However, knowing that my work directly...

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