Austin Taylor Barnum

Austin Barnum is a partner at Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers and focuses on vindicating civil rights and securing justice for individuals harmed by misconduct, negligence, and abuse of power. He brings a rare combination of courtroom experience, constitutional expertise, and leadership to his practice, having litigated complex cases in both state and federal courts throughout Nevada.

Before joining Claggett & Sykes, Austin served as a Senior Deputy Attorney General in Nevada’s Office of the Attorney General, where he handled high-stakes civil rights litigation involving constitutional claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. In that role, he managed cases from inception through trial, advised state agencies on constitutional compliance, and developed litigation strategy in matters involving allegations of excessive force, deliberate indifference, and violations of fundamental rights. His experience defending these cases gives him a strategic advantage when prosecuting civil rights claims on behalf of individuals whose rights have been violated.

Austin continued his civil rights practice as an associate attorney in private litigation, representing clients in complex civil rights, criminal defense, and commercial matters in state and federal court. He has successfully briefed and argued motions, federal jury trials, and is admitted to practice in the State of Nevada, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Austin is a decorated advocate and community leader. He has been recognized as the State Bar of Nevada’s Young Lawyer of the Year, a Mountain States Rising Star, and a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He was also recognized as a 2026 Top Rank Attorney by Nevada Business Magazine. He frequently writes and speaks on civil rights law, including published commentary on § 1983 litigation and constitutional protections.

A graduate of UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law, Austin finished first in his class, summa cum laude, and has an extensive background in trial advocacy. He also served as Chair of the State Bar of Nevada’s Young Lawyer Section, the Chair for the Trial Academy for several years, and sits on the boards of several community and legal organizations.

Austin is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve, where he commands a Psychological Operations company and has led large teams in complex, high-pressure environments—experience that informs his disciplined, strategic approach to trial litigation.

At Claggett & Sykes, Austin focuses his practice on civil rights cases and personal injury matters, representing individuals against powerful institutions and insurance companies and preparing every case with the expectation that it will be tried.