January 13, 2026

Julianna Montano Named a Law Student of the Year by National Jurist

Julianna Montano ‘25, a student in Southwestern Law School’s two-year accelerated SCALE Program, has been named to the National Jurist’s Law Student of the Year list, a national recognition honoring law students whose leadership and scholarship are shaping the future of the legal profession. Montano was selected for her work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics, with a focus on responsible engagement with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. She is the third Southwestern student in four years to be named a Law Student of the Year by the publication.

In 2024, Montano designed and led Southwestern’s Professional Development Boot Camp for Technology Law, a three-part program focused on careers in privacy, artificial intelligence, and data governance. As president of Students for Technology, Law, and Entrepreneurship, she expanded the organization into an active forum connecting students with practitioners on issues including AI ethics and biotechnology regulation. Beyond campus, she served as a Responsible AI Ambassador with AI LA, contributing to public-facing education on ethical innovation.

“Technology is evolving faster than our institutions can respond, transforming the way we live and our sense of individual rights,” Montano said. “I’ve been focused on helping students engage with those changes in a way that centers responsibility, accountability, and access to justice. Southwestern gave me the space to create resources and a community that can push that aspect of the tech revolution into the spotlight. I am honored to be recognized because without my legal education, I would not know how to turn these ideas into meaningful action.”

Montano is a member of the Trial Advocacy Honors Program, earning First Place and Best Advocate honors in intramural and regional mock trial competitions. She serves on the Southwestern Journal of International Law, where her article, “Mind Over Matter: Contracting Away Cognitive Liberty,” examines how emerging neurotechnologies challenge traditional concepts of consent and autonomy. Her commitment to access to justice includes work with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, reviewing conservatorship applications for non-English-speaking clients. 

“Julianna represents the very best of Southwestern,” said President and Dean Darby Dickerson. “Her leadership is grounded in ethics, curiosity, and service. She has not only excelled academically and professionally, but has helped shape how our community understands the responsibilities that accompany innovation. Her impact will extend well beyond law school.”