Katherine Troiano, a non-traditional student with 20 years of experience as a paralegal, decided to pursue a law degree after feeling her career was in a rut. With the encouragement of her boss, Brian Tanko, she applied to the University of Montana Law School and was accepted. Juggling classes and work, Troiano’s husband took care of their children while she pursued her education, facing challenges such as having to leave class to care for a sick child.

Troiano’s background as a paralegal proved beneficial in her studies, and she also gained an internship with Flathead County Judge Paul Sullivan. After graduating from UM law school in 2024 and passing the Montana Bar Exam in October, Troiano became a partner at Tanko Law Firm, specializing in estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianships, business, and real estate law. The firm also welcomed attorney Laurie Marburger to help while Troiano was studying.

Tanko Law Firm, where Troiano now works as a partner, has a family-like atmosphere. Tanko’s support and encouragement were evident when he called out to Troiano during her graduation ceremony, telling her she would start at the firm on Monday, drawing cheers from the crowd.