Current Law Clerks 

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  Lia Comerford

  I applied to IELP because of my interest in the relationship between environmental protection and international trade. Many international treaties aim to protect the environment through trade regulations, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to work first-hand with these treaties and apply them to pressing global problems. Already in IELP, I’ve been able to explore this interest through work to help protect imperiled species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. I’m also particularly interested in effective strategies to enforce international environmental treaties. IELP is a unique way to gain practical experience exploring these interests.

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  Don Gourlie

  University of Tampa, B.S. in Biology and Marine Science 

  I made the decision to attend law school because of my interest in fisheries management and marine wildlife protection. The oceans are a prime example of the global commons―areas not falling under the jurisdiction of any one state―and as a result international agreements are the ideal way to prevent ocean degradation. Through my experience at IELP, I hope to become familiar with the many treaties and conventions that provide protection for marine resources and strategies that can be used during negotiations to strengthen transboundary agreements. Additionally, I am grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific project and immerse myself in a topic of interest.

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  Victoria Johnston

  Columbia University, B.A. in Astrophysics

  I have always been interested in wildlife preservation and energy conservation, but my interest in international environmental issues increased when I volunteered in Greece to protect sea turtles and their habitats. Although I could make a direct difference to the local turtle population as a hands-on volunteer on the beaches in Crete, I realized that broader efforts are needed for the turtles’ protection on a larger scale. Being an effective advocate in an international environment attracted me to law school. IELP was a major factor in my decision to attend Lewis & Clark, which was the only school that offered an international environmental clinic with real clients. I am extremely excited that IELP offers me the opportunity to both work with and go to the CITES conference to see governments and NGOs on the world stage.

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  Mandy Rude

  University of North Carolina, B.A. in Psychology

  I have a passion for international wildlife law and conservation. I took many biology and ecology courses in college. IELP and international environmental law ties in to this study and passion. I came to Lewis & Clark Law School for IELP. There is no other experience in school where you can build these valuable skills. This year we will be attending the CITES conference and I have the chance to enhance my skills and knowledge of wildlife law and trade. I hope someday I can say I helped conserve species like tigers and IELP will have been a crucial first step in this goal.

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  Ben Saver

  My interest in international environmental issues stems from the two years I spent working in sustainable environmental development in the Dominican Republic. While working on environmental issues from a grass roots level was rewarding, I saw the need for cooperation between different countries as central to creating long-term solutions to environmental problems. I chose to go to law school, because I believed it would provide me with the tools to make a broader impact on global environmental issues. IELP provides the opportunity to use the legal skills I have developed to help protect and conserve the global environment by working with governments and NGOs on a variety of global environmental issues. I am looking forward to learning from the knowledgeable staff and other students who share my interests to further develop the skills necessary to become a successful environmental attorney. 

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  Amelia Schlusser

  Pennsylvania State University, B.A. in Film and Video Production

  I am passionate about climate change law and policy at both the national and international level. I am inspired by IELP’s work in support of small island nations at the international climate change negotiations, and I am very excited to work with such experienced attorneys as I gain real-world experience in this area of international environmental law. I am also looking forward to working on CITES issues involving illegal trade in endangered species. I believe that climate change and loss of biodiversity are two of the greatest environmental threats the world is facing, and I hope to further my understanding of the international legal frameworks and mechanisms that have been developed to address these issues.