Stephen Barnes is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. After obtaining his bachelor's degree at St. Louis University, he returned home to attend law school at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. After law school, Stephen clerked at Allen, Summers, Simpson, Lillie, and Gresham PLLC, a mid-size civil firm, before joining the Shelby County District Attorney's office as a prosecutor, where he worked for several years. Through his work for the State, Stephen gained invaluable insight into the policies and practices of both the District Attorney's office and local criminal courts. After leaving the prosecutor's office, Stephen decided to put his knowledge and skills to use for his community, teaming up with Mr. Lenagar to create Lenagar & Barnes PLLC.