Student Success
Alumni and Advancement
Internship Stories: Annie Sharyan
Annie Sharyan
Major: Business Finance
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Grad Year: 2026
Hometown: Portland
Through networking and a UP staff connection, I secured work as a legal intern with the firm Sherlag | De Muniz. I was drawn to criminal defense because it involves both rigorous legal analysis and meaningful human advocacy. I conducted legal research on criminal defense issues and assisted attorneys in preparing motions, discovery requests, and trial exhibits to support case strategy.
This internship offered the opportunity to see the intellectual demands of the law and the responsibility that comes with representing people in high-stakes situations. One of my favorite moments was experiencing the energy and joy at the firm after we won a particularly difficult case. Being part of that collective effort, even as an intern, showed me how meaningful the work of criminal defense can be.
This experience will absolutely shape my future career. It strengthened my research, writing, and analytical skills while confirming my desire to pursue law professionally.
My advice to UP students is to be proactive. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors, ask questions, and seek out experiences and opportunities that challenge you. The UP community is incredibly supportive, but growth requires initiative. Even opportunities that seem intimidating at first can become transformative experiences if you take the first step.
The opportunities I’ve had at UP have shaped me just as much as the challenges. I’m moving forward more disciplined, focused, and confident in the path ahead.
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