Born to Armenian immigrant parents, Marianna Yearboro grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She moved to Missoula in 2016 to be closer to her dad and the serene Montana environment. In 2020, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Political Science with concentrations in Public Law and American Politics. Throughout her undergraduate years, Marianna was actively involved in the Davidson Honors College, Franke Global Leadership Initiative, and Montana Model United Nations. She also worked as a legal secretary at ASUM Legal Services, witnessing the impact of legal service organizations on low-income students. Her volunteer and internship experiences extended to organizations like the ACLU of Montana, Montana Innocence Project, and Missoula Self-Help Law Center. Marianna was also one of the inaugural Baucus Leaders in 2018, interning in Senator Jon Tester’s Office in Washington, D.C.  In 2020, Marianna embarked on her legal education at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. During her time in law school, Marianna served as President of the Armenian Law Students Association, Online Managing Editor at the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy, contributed as a Student Attorney in the Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic, and served as a member of the Moot Court Appellate Advocacy Division. After graduating from Georgetown Law in 2023, Marianna took and passed the New York Bar Examination with a score high enough to practice in any UBE jurisdiction.

Marianna is now an associate at Dechert LLP in New York, specializing in the Corporate and Securities practice.

What originally inspired you/your family to choose the UM PLP?

As someone who knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, the Pre-Law Program was an obvious choice. I was certain about pursuing law school immediately after college, and the Pre-Law Program emerged as the most valuable resource to support this goal.

Which aspect(s) of the UM Pre-Law Program contributed the most to your success in matriculating at the law school of your choice?

The Pre-Law Program provided me with countless resources that set me up for success in ultimately matriculating at Georgetown Law. I was able to take an LSAT prep course on-campus, take multiple mock LSAT exams, and take law-related courses that prepared me for the law school curriculum. Also, the one-on-one counseling sessions with my pre-law advisor, Soazig Le Bihan, helped me tremendously in crafting my personal statements and essays.

Which aspect(s) of the PLP would you say contributed the most to your career success?

Enrolling in the Pre-Law Program not only immersed me in a community of individuals sharing similar ambitions, but also facilitated invaluable connections with peers, faculty members, and established professionals within the legal sphere. These connections gave me guidance and mentorship that proved instrumental in navigating the path towards securing crucial volunteer positions and internships. Through these interactions, I not only gained insight, but also cultivated relationships that propelled me toward meaningful opportunities and experiences essential for my growth in the legal field.

What aspects of the campus culture at UM helped you successfully prepare for applying to law school?

The supportive and inclusive community at UM fostered a sense of belonging. Everyone, from professors to peers, wanted to see me succeed and encouraged me when navigating the complexities of the law school application process. Also, the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and collaborate with peers in study groups and other academic endeavors honed my ability to comprehend varied viewpoints—a crucial skill necessary to succeed in law school.

Would you share a specific moment or experience that had a significant impact on your time in the Pre-Law Program at UM?

One moment that stands out is when I gave a presentation on anti-discrimination in my Law and Morality class. The presentation was based on a paper I wrote, arguing in favor of public accommodations protections for LGBTQ people. I worked closely with Professor Soazig Le Bihan on the paper, and she helped me expand on it during my final semester in the Philosophy of Law class offered at the Blewett School of Law. Through the process of writing and contemplating these concepts, I found myself better prepared for law school, already acquainted with complex legal topics.

Is there any advice you would offer prospective students considering joining the UM PLP community? 

Be intentional during your time in the program and make sure to use the resources at your disposal. It’s up to you to make the most out of what the program has to offer!