Marianne Mariano '94

Segment Synopsis: Marianna Mariano was born and raised in Niagara Falls, like her parents. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School and went on to SUNY Binghamton. Her bachelors degree in history lead her to law school at UB. She expected her law schooling to be similar to her undergrad experience, except with more schooling. Mariano believes her father, a UB alumni, judge, and lawyer, inspired her law career and shaped her expectations. Although, her practice exceeded her expectations because she loves practicing law. The rewards and challenges drive her to be her best.

Keywords: Career / Early; Character and Values; Choosing UB Law School; Expectations; Family; Father; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: Mariano began as an assistant federal defender, then was promoted to head the office. During that time, there was a budget crisis. The sequester had a 10% cut and this occurred when Mariano's practice was peaking in busyness. It was very challenging for her and her office to manage the tremendous budget downfall.

Keywords: Being a Lawyer; Career / Early; Challenge; Work

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Mariano applied to a lot of law schools, but her father influenced her decision to pick UB. Debt would prevail if she picked another school, so Buffalo became her choice. Her time spent in UB taught her how to find answers and quick logic; all of her classes taught her how to use her resources to find and get what she needs.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Value of Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Mariano looked into many career paths before finding her true calling. Much to her surprise, she ended up in the Federal Defender's office. It was a job she wasn't prepared to be offered, but happily took it.

Keywords: Application process; Being a Lawyer; Career / Early; Choice of Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL

Segment Synopsis: Mariano notes that the culture at UB was really collegiality, not so much competitive. She had many friends in her classes, and a lot became lasting ties.
She finds it important to give back to the community, because the law profession is a profession of service.
About a year ago, she was asked to join the advocacy institute. It adds another layer to what UB can deliver to it's students. There are more programs that she and UB were a part of that made a difference with the new law students. She also gives advice to these new students, saying to advocate for your party without taking anything personal. You aren't fighting against others, but with them to find a solution. She took this advice from a professor, and she spreads it to up and coming lawyers. In the time since she has been practicing, she finds women opportunities have expanded to different departments. Lastly, she entered criminal defense practice, which was predominately a male area of law, but she deems it rewarding and collegial.

Keywords: Advice; Being a Lawyer; Career / Gender; Community Involvement; Community Service; Contributions; Moot Court; Practitioners and Faculty; Relationship with UB Law; Student Culture; Women

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; UB LAW AS STUDENT