Fall is always a season of dynamic transition, but this year feels especially meaningful at Lewis & Clark Law.

 

Last month, I had the privilege of welcoming over 200 aspiring lawyers to campus for orientation. The incoming Class of 2029 is an extraordinary group, bringing a rich breadth of life experiences to their legal studies. Watching their journey begin is a powerful reminder of our mission: educating exceptional lawyers who are impactful advocates for a better world.

 

At the other end of that spectrum, I recently gathered with alumni celebrating their 50th graduation anniversary. Hearing them reflect on how dedicated professors shaped their careers half a century ago was deeply moving and a testament to the enduring legacy of this institution.

 

Of course, transitions also bring bittersweet moments. Many of you joined us recently to celebrate three pillars of our community who are moving on to their next chapters: Libby Davis, Janice Weis, and Joyce Tischler. We are immensely grateful for their years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to our students.

 

Whether celebrating new beginnings or milestone anniversaries, it is the people—our students, alumni, faculty, and staff—who make Lewis & Clark so extraordinary. I hope you will join us on campus for an event this season to see that energy in action and welcome our newest team members.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Fall!

Alicia Ouellette
Jordan D. Schnitzer Dean
Lewis & Clark Law School

A diverse and accomplished cohort joins our community as the fall semester begins.

Lewis & Clark Law School received national recognition for innovation in legal education, including an “Excellence in Innovation” Award recognizing the Center for Business Law and Leadership and "most innovative law schools" award from The National Jurist.

We’re excited to welcome assistant professors Melia Cerrato, Bill Shapiro, Erin Severe ’09, and Cecil VanDevender, along with staff members: Lyndsey Romick BA '12 as Director of the Center for Business Law and Leadership, Tracy Sullivan ’00 as Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and our Career Services team, Assistant Dean John McKee, Director Deborah Smith Arthur, and Employer Relations Director Sharon Carey-Stronck.

As summer law clerks, Nikki Smith, JD ’28, and Hannah Theriault, JD ’28, traveled to Geneva to participate in the Basel Convention’s Open-Ended Working Group and support advocacy on the global trade and disposal of textile waste through the Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA).

As Portland’s first-ever PNW Climate Week began, more than 100 youth leaders, advocates, and community members gathered at Lewis & Clark to imagine a thriving, sustainable future—and explore the actions needed to make it a reality. 

Criminal Justice Reform Clinic students become advocates for incarcerated individuals facing review hearings.

The Small Business Legal Clinic provides crucial services, helping new businesses get started on the right foot, and existing businesses go to the next level—all while giving law students practical skills for their first job.

Office of Development and Alumni
10101 S Terwilliger Blvd
Portland, OR 97219