Lara has been an attorney since 2003. Her goal as an attorney is to help people. She particularly likes fighting for individuals who have injuries due to automobile accidents, helping them to recover and get their lives back on track after the anguish and turmoil brought on by these collisions. Lara also helps people through bankruptcy who are struggling with financial difficulties. Lara was a member of the Oregon State Bar Consumer Law committee for two years.

A native Oregonian, Lara earned her B.A. in English with Honors from the University of Oregon, her J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School, and a Master's in Teaching from the University of Portland. When she isn't working, she is a freelance writer, works as a behavior consultant for dogs, rides and trains sport horses, and devotes her time to her many animals and two lovely daughters.