From Campaign Flyers to the Courtroom: Tarallo’s Path to the Knudson School of Law
Tarallo says it was that involvement in local politics and a desire to do something meaningful and give back to the world around him that convinced him to go to law school.
“Helping my mother pass out campaign materials for our local elections taught me to take civic engagement seriously,” said Tarallo. “Additionally, I wanted a career that didn’t just pay the bills but one that is of significance.”
Tarallo’s first stop on his path to law school was the University of Montana. While there he earned an undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in business. Following his time in Montana, Tarallo started attending USD’s Knudson School of Law.
He says Dean Neil Fulton’s, J.D., commitment to the Knudson School of Law’s community of excellence, service and leadership shaped his experience.
“He [Fulton] finds the harmony between leader, instructor and colleague, always embodying USD’s community of excellence,” said Tarallo. “I learned that being a professional doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy life.”
Tarallo describes his time in law school as fulfilling, with hard work, long hours and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity. He believes it is a lawyer’s job to put the wishes of the clients first and go the extra mile to explore the development of the legal profession.
Tarallo says the most important lesson he took away from USD’s law school is about what it means to be a good lawyer.
“Being a good lawyer is not about pushing yourself to your absolute limits to achieve perfection all the time,” said Tarallo. “It is about always putting your best foot forward to gain the best possible outcome.”
Alongside his studies at the law school, he participated in several student organizations, the Law Review, Environmental Law Society, Rod and Gun Club, Trial Team and Chess Club.
After graduating, Tarallo is planning to establish a career in litigation and trial work. He will be clerking for Iowa’s third Judicial District Court in Sioux City, Iowa, starting in September.
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