I represent select individuals with complex employment claims in state and federal court. The cases I litigate in the courts involve an egregious illegal act based on an employee's sex, gender, age, and/or disability. Frequently these cases involve conduct by the employer in the form of retaliation (e.g., termination, demotion, failure to promote) to the employee for coming forward about workplace discrimination or sexual harassment to them or others.

I became an attorney to empower individuals who are treated unfairly by others. I enjoy helping individuals achieve justice by guiding them through the legal process with ease and confidence. As an attorney, I will fight for my client's rights with tenacity and act as their champion every step of the way.

I was a licensed registered nurse for 19 years. I worked in ER Trauma for eleven years before going to law school. Even though my focus now is on representing employees who suffered workplace violations, my prior career as a nurse gives me a unique ability to connect with people who are going through a difficult time, which for employment cases often involves physical and mental health difficulties.

I graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law where I received the award for best moot court oralist in 2014. My bachelor's degree is from Kaplan (now Purdue) University. I earned my CNA certification, LPN license, and RN license from Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. After finishing law school and passing the bar exam, I founded Smith Law Firm. When I partnered with my husband Jed Barden, we formed Barden & Barden.