May 07, 2013

Kevin Johnston

2L, day student
Lake Elsinore, CA
BS from UC San Diego, CA
Environmental Law

My Background:

Before law school, I was working at my undergrad in our student affairs office and then I took the rest of the year off before I moved out to Portland to spend time with my family and my dogs. I am Southern California born and raised so it has been quite an adjustment moving to Portland, but it has been a great experience and there is truly something wonderful about this place.

Why I Decided to Go to Law School:

I was an environmental science major in undergrad and was doing a lot of great work in a lab focused on honey bees, but the more I read and researched the more I realized nothing was happening. Researchers were doing great studies and writing thoughtful papers but without enforcement it was seemingly all for naught. So I wanted to try and become part of the force to make some changes and make a difference in the legal field. 

Three Activities I’m Involved In:

Well first off I would say I am an avid sports fan. I am a Green Bay Packers shareholder and a diehard Chicago Cubs fan (even though they’re terrible). I have been to a few Timbers games since moving here and had a great time. I like to visit breweries and try new beer which is great in Portland. Everywhere I go they are brewing something I have never had. I also enjoy playing pick up basketball and we had a 1L intramural team last year that was pretty fun and a nice break from the books.

Favorite Class at L&C:

Probably Torts, the reading in Torts is the best. There is always some crazy story were you can’t quite believe that all happened and then you have to figure out who is at fault. Definitely made the in class discussions fun.

Meaningful Academic Experience Outside the Classroom:

Meeting Chief Justice Roberts was neat. To have the opportunity to see him in action and the chance to shake his hand and speak with him after was pretty memorable. 

The hardest thing about adjusting to law school:

For me it was adjusting to being farther from home. I was only about an hour and a half from my home in undergrad and after I graduated most of my close friends still lived local. So having to start over in a new city and having to deal with the law school work load was an adjustment, but I made it through and am still happy with the choice I made.

Advice to Students on How to Choose A Law School:

Academics are obviously first and foremost, but I know I succeed where I feel at home and welcome. I felt that at my undergrad and I felt it when I stepped on to the law school campus. I think law school is such a big decision that you have to make it for yourself because you are the one who is going to be spending three years or more of your life on that campus.

Why I Chose Lewis & Clark:

I chose Lewis & Clark because of the environmental law program, but also because I could see myself enjoying Portland. I most recently lived in San Diego so it was quite a change in weather but I love it here so far. The community at L&C is welcoming and cooperative which was another reason I made the choice.