Marianne Mariano ’94

In her position as Federal Defender, Marianne Mariano manages a multimillion-dollar budget; supervises 32 attorneys and support personnel; maintains an active criminal defense caseload; oversees and supports a panel of Criminal Justice Act-eligible attorneys; provides annual training for CJA attorneys; and acts as a liaison for the federal criminal defense bar to federal judges.

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mariano graduated from Niagara Falls High School, then SUNY Binghamton. Her bachelor of arts degree in history led her to law school at UB. Mariano says her father, a UB alum, judge and lawyer, inspired her law career and shaped her expectations. Her legal practice exceeded her expectations: she loves practicing criminal defense law—a traditionally male area of the law—which she deems rewarding and collegial. The rewards and challenges drive her to be her best.

Her greatest challenge came in 2008 when the sequester hit and her office had 10 percent of its budget cut six months into the fiscal year, a time when they had their largest caseload.

She finds it important to give back to the community, because the law profession is a profession of service. About a year ago, she joined the Advocacy Institute at the School of Law. She advises new law students to advocate for their clients without taking anything personally. “You aren’t fighting against others,” she says, “but with them to find a solution.”