Montana Tech helped golf alumna connect with a career in law

Tanna Campbell (B.S. Business Information Technology-Marketing/Management, 2021) says she came to Montana Technological University from Big Timber to play collegiate golf with her sister, Taryn, a senior at the time. One class changed her career trajectory forever.

“I went into Computer Science for a semester and decided that was not for me,” Campbell said. “I switched my major to Business Information Technology with a marketing option, and I loved it. The Business Department at Montana Tech was very welcoming, and I really enjoyed my time there.”

Campbell earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Montana-Alexander Blewett III School of Law in May 2024.

“Montana Tech is the reason I decided to go to law school. While taking Critical Thinking with Rita Spear at Montana Tech, we conducted a mock trial where Rita brought in attorneys and judges to help us prepare,” Campbell said. “I decided then that was what I wanted to do for a career and started talking to Rita and John Garic about the steps to go to law school and become a lawyer. They helped me get everything I needed to go to law school, and I could not be more grateful.”

Campbell lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and as of summer 2024, she was studying for the bar exam.

“After graduation, I took the LSAT and went straight to law school at the University of Montana in the Fall of 2021,” Campbell said. “During my first summer of law school, I interned at Racine Olson, a law firm in Pocatello, Idaho. My second summer, I interned with Hopkins Roden, a law firm in Idaho Falls.  After three years of law school, I am studying to take the bar exam in July 2024 and working for Nelson Hall Perry Tucker, a law firm in Idaho Falls.”

The bar exam is Campbell’s biggest challenge so far.

“I haven’t overcome it yet,” Campbell said. “I hope that by putting in plenty of study time, I can pass it on the first try. The most important thing to remember when facing challenges is that everyone fails, but that does not have to stop you from trying again. There will always be another challenge that you face, and having the motivation and self-confidence to know you will make it through is what I think is most important.”

She has advice for prospective students.

“Anyone who is interested in going to law school should consider doing it. Your age and experience do not matter, there are so many different types of people who attend law school,” Campbell said. “Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student, or have family members that are attorneys or not, it does not matter. Everyone starts in the same place and everyone who is willing to put in the time and energy can be a great law student and attorney.”