John Rankin
Hometown: Portland, OR
Undergraduate Education: BA in Business Administration and Minor in Music from University of Washington
Areas of Interest: Copyright, Contracts, and Entertainment Law (anything music related)
Just for Fun: Composing/playing violin and guitar, singing, writing scripts, watching movies, taking really long walks without knowing where I am going, and watching cartoons.
Why I decided to go to Law School: I wanted to create more options for myself and I knew that an education in law would open the most doors. I knew it would drastically improve my chances of being able to become successful at anything I choose to do in life. Plus, I feel that law gives you a better understanding of the way things work – it’s not just so you can go to court and make lots of money (although that is a nice bonus). In the music world, I see a lot of musicians who need legal help to understand what they are getting into, whether it be signing a contract or making sure they have creative control and ownership of their songs. Law is also a family tradition – I will be fourth generation.
Why I selected Lewis & Clark: I wanted more of a laid back environment without losing any educational value. Plus, Lewis & Clark has miles of beautiful forested trails right in its backyard, which is really nice during those stressful days in the library.
What I like about Lewis & Clark: The fact that everyone cares. Coming from a huge undergraduate student base, I was surprised to see how helpful, responsive and truly interested the faculty and students are in what you are doing. I have met so many remarkable, motivated people - it constantly amazes me.
Why I am focusing on Intellectual Property: I have been playing violin since I was four years old and when I found a guitar in my parents’ basement at age sixteen, I figured out that music was my passion. Since then I’ve tried to integrate music into everything I do in life. Intellectual Property is how I continue to accomplish this goal and dream.
My experience at the Law School: Lewis & Clark has truly been an amazing experience, and has enhanced my life and its direction. I feel like I am always being challenged, always learning, and always growing. It is everything I could ask for in a law school and I am sincerely grateful for the chance to be a part of the incredible and talented Lewis & Clark Law School community.