Stetson University College of Law alumna Monica D. Barnes ’03 has been named one of the 2013 “Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers under 40” by the National Bar Association and IMPACT. Barnes will be recognized among the Nation’s Best Advocates during the National Bar Association’s 88th annual convention on July 27, in Miami, Fla.

Assistant City Attorney Barnes works for the City of Miami Gardens, Fla. The NBA and IMPACT recognize lawyers age 40 and younger in the African American legal community who have achieved prominence and distinction, professionally and philanthropically. Selected nominees represent solo practitioners, government lawyers, judges, academicians, corporate counsels, young elected officials and other lawyers chosen for their achievement, innovation, vision, leadership and legal community involvement.

Barnes has also been recognized by the Miami Herald as one of the “Ten Rising and Promising Voices in the South Florida Black Community.”

The National Bar Association, founded in 1925, is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 44,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has more than 80 affiliate chapters throughout the U.S. and around the world.

IMPACT is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage and build a network of young professionals of color to foster civic engagement, increase knowledge of the political and legislative processes, and enhance economic empowerment opportunities.