Anne Bingaman Returns to her Legal Roots

The first woman hired as an attorney by Modrall Sperling, Anne Bingaman, spoke to a standing room only gathering of lawyers and staff in early June.  During the luncheon held in her honor, Anne revealed personal recollections and funny stories from her time at the firm and highlights of her distinguished career.  She attributed much of her success to “luck” and being at the right place at the right time – however, it was clear to those in attendance that Anne has been a trailblazer for women in law.  Anne graduated from Stanford Law School, and joined Modrall Sperling more than 40 years ago.  She is recognized as one of the first female lawyers in private practice in New Mexico, was the first woman law professor at UNM School of Law and is the author of one of the only books about the Equal Rights Amendment.  In 1975, Anne became involved in a renowned, complex lawsuit that was to become famous in antitrust circles and in which a Federal Judge entered a judgment in favor of Anne’s client that was valued at the time at about $1 billion.  Anne went on to become the first woman to lead the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice.  She shared many anecdotes about her early days as an attorney and reflected upon the many challenges and changes that have taken place in New Mexico and the nation as more women take up the practice of law.  Anne will be among those honored at the October 2012 Dinner for Distinguished Achievement sponsored by the UNM School of Law Alumni Association.   She is married to New Mexico’s five-term United States Senator Jeff Bingaman.

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