How I got here.

Get to know Amanda Bynum, owner of AJB Law firm, LLC in Tucson Arizona, an attorney specializing in criminal defense and small business legal services. Interesting mix? Allow her to tell you why in this post.

Why Criminal Defense?

I knew I wanted to practice criminal defense law when I was fifteen. I was a student at Cholla High school in Tucson, where the legal magnet program brought me amazing mentors that helped me internalize at an early age the importance of helping others, especially those who are most vulnerable.

My experience began private practice at a prominent DUI defense firm in Tucson where I developed extensive litigation skills and was trained by national experts in DUI and criminal defense. Based on my desire to help those most in need I left private practice and practiced law as a Pima County Public Defender where I tried cases ranging from drug possession and domestic violence to vehicular homicide, first-degree murder, and sexual assault.

Others in my field look to me for guidance. After chairing the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice Seminar committee for several years, I was promoted to run the Pima County Public Defender’s Office training program as well as the University of Arizona College of Law Public Defense Clinic as part-time clinical faculty.

I spent several years as a Law Professor and Administrator at the James E. Rogers College of Law where I taught and directed programs related to basic trial advocacy, bar and academic success skills, legal practice competencies, and skills for practice.

Early on in my career as a trial attorney, I discovered a passion for helping other lawyers and aspiring lawyers improve their craft, and I built a reputation as an educator on a variety of topics, including DUI defense, trial techniques, legal ethics, attorney wellness, and productivity. I worked as a law professor for several years prior to opening my own firm where I combine both my trial skills and talent for speaking and teaching, I excel at reducing the complicated and difficult down to the simple and actionable—for my clients, opposing counsel, the judge and jury.

Why Small Business Law?

I have spent my entire life learning as much as possible about providing the best legal service possible. While I spent much of my career as a criminal defense attorney, I too, am a small business owner. I built a 6-figure law practice is a short time, and I want to help others escape the 9-5 and both start & protect their businesses.

I have a true passion for entrepreneurship. I spent years as a wedding photographer, and I know the struggles small business owners and creatives face. I also know first-hand what can happen if you don’t take steps to protect your business.

I know how scary it can be to start your own business! But, starting this law firm and investing in myself was the best decision I’ve ever made because it allows me to follow my true calling to educate and serve entrepreneurs like YOU. 

I help entrepreneurs establish their business entities and advise them on business strategies to develop their business ideas, understand their target market, create their brands, and legally protect their brands and intellectual property. In addition, I offer contract drafting and review services for creators, independent contractors, and vendors.

Why Trademarks?

Your brand is not just a logo or a tagline; it's the heart and soul of your business, embodying your vision, values, and the unique identity that sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. This is why I am deeply passionate about helping small business owners protect their intellectual assets.

Navigating the complexities of trademark law is a journey I find particularly rewarding. The process of securing a trademark isn’t always straightforward, and it demands a careful, knowledgeable approach. From conducting thorough trademark searches to ensure the uniqueness of your brand, to the meticulous drafting of trademark applications, every step is pivotal in safeguarding the distinctive identity of your business.

Moreover, the arena of cease and desist letters is where the intricacies of trademark law come to life. I take pride in drafting and responding to these letters, not just as legal documents, but as strategic tools in the art of negotiation and brand protection. When businesses face the challenge of protecting their brands, it's more than just a legal dispute – it's a fight for their hard-earned reputation and market presence. My role is to stand alongside you in this fight, employing my expertise to ensure that your brand remains protected and respected.

In essence, my work in trademarks is not just about legal processes; it's about supporting the dreams and aspirations of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Your brand is your promise to your customers, and I am here to help you keep that promise secure and thriving in a competitive business world.

Why Education?

Education is more than just a component of my legal practice – it is its heartbeat. My dedication to legal education stems from a deep-seated belief that knowledge should be accessible and empowering. This ethos drives the educational resources I offer on my website, reflecting my commitment to not just being a law firm, but a beacon of guidance and support for the public.

Through the regular publication of informative articles, I aim to demystify the legal world, making complex legal concepts understandable and relevant to everyday life. These articles are more than just content; they are a bridge connecting the community to the often opaque world of law, offering clarity and insight on legal matters that impact their lives.

The provision of free and low-cost legal resources, including templates, tutorials, and on-demand legal services, is central to my mission of making legal support accessible to all. I understand that legal challenges can be daunting, and I aim to equip individuals and small businesses with the tools they need to navigate these challenges confidently. By offering these resources, I am assisting in immediate legal needs and fostering a culture of legal awareness and self-advocacy.

Moreover, this commitment to education is about nurturing a community where legal knowledge is not a privilege but a shared resource. Whether it's a budding entrepreneur needing guidance on business formation or a student grappling with legal concepts, my resources aim to enlighten and empower. This approach stems from my belief that an informed community is a stronger, more resilient one.

In essence, the educational aspect of my website reflects my passion for law and education. It's about breaking down barriers to legal understanding and building up a community that values and has access to legal knowledge. By offering these resources, I am extending my role as an attorney beyond representation to education, ensuring that the law provides empowerment for everyone.