Earthrise Student Argues Before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Drew Baloga ’24 argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of Earthrise clients Earth Island Institute and the Center for Biological Diversity.
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Earthrise Law Center argued in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last month, and it sent rising star Drew Baloga ’24 to do it.
Drew is a third-year law student and former Earthrise Law Clerk. He began his journey with Earthrise during his second year of law school, where he worked with Professor Tom Buchele on drafting the opening appellate brief and reply brief for this case. The case, brought by Earthrise on behalf of high-profile clients Earth Island Institute and the Center for Biological Diversity, challenges the Three Creeks logging project in the Inyo National Forest.
Under Professor Buchele’s supervision, Drew was certified to present the argument before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Oct. 17 of this year. Drew is the first Earthrise JD-candidate to argue in front of the Ninth Circuit prior to passing the bar exam.
“I chose to attend Lewis & Clark in large part because of the opportunities it affords students to get involved in the practice of environmental law,” said Drew. “Working on this case with Professor Buchele has taught me so much about federal litigation, while allowing me to contribute to Earthrise’s work promoting good governance and conservation on our public lands. I have appreciated this opportunity and am hopeful that we will get a favorable outcome from the Ninth Circuit.”
