Gwen J. Portnoy has been practicing law as a solo practitioner since 1979. Almost a native Tucsonan, she graduated from Tucson High School. She attended the University of Arizona, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1961. After practicing as an accountant for 10 years, Gwen returned to the University of Arizona Law School and received her Juris Doctorate degree. She was admitted to the Arizona Bar on October 13, 1979.