Arlene Montgomery is originally from Floyd, Virginia. She attended the University of Richmond, where she majored in International Studies with a focus on Middle East Studies and minored in Arabic. During her time at the university, she earned the distinction of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar. Arlene later graduated from the American University Washington College of Law in 2020, where she was recognized as a WCL Merit Scholar.

Professionally, Arlene is a litigator and community advocate. She has an extensive background in criminal defense, having handled hundreds of cases ranging from felonies to misdemeanors, as well as juvenile and traffic charges. Her courtroom experience spans Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. Prior to her legal career, Arlene gained valuable experience in the non-profit and education sectors, working with organizations like Teach for America and the Delta Health Alliance’s literacy project in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia. She also served on the board of the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center.