Lay Ping-Tan

Graduating Year: 2010
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Undergraduate & Previous Work Experience: BA in English with minors in French and Communication Studies from University of Portland; 8 years of technical writing and illustration for a small, heavy manufacturing company in Sherwood, Oregon
Areas of Interest: Copyright law in general, and the Copyleft movement and Internet issues in particular
Extracurricular Activities: Submissions editor for the Oregon Intellectual Property Newsletter
Just for Fun: Reading books not remotely related to the law; listening to music at every opportunity; cooking elaborate meals with friends; plotting menus for the next elaborate meal I’m going to cook with friends; blogging—often times about the elaborate meals I’ve just cooked with friends.
Favorite Places in Portland: Every time I go to a park and feel dissatisfied with it, I realize it’s because I want it to be Laurelhurst Park but it’s not; that probably says something about how I feel about it. If you’re looking for a space with good coffee, free wifi, comfortable couches and excellent music, Backspace in the Old Town should be at the top of your list. One of my favorite places to eat is the Malay Satay Hut on SE 82nd—take it from a food-obsessed Malaysian girl, these guys get it right.

Why I decided to go to Law School: For about eight years, I worked a job that did an excellent job of providing me with a living wage but didn’t provide much in the way of intrinsic reward. I wanted an education that would provide me with flexibility, a skillset that’s in high demand, and lots of opportunities to enact meaningful change. Law school was the most logical option.

Why I selected Lewis & Clark: My two areas of interest are intellectual property law and environmental law, and Lewis and Clark happens to have very strong programs for both specialties. Not having to leave Portland was a bonus, too; Portland is home to me in a way no other city ever has been.

What I like about Lewis & Clark: How incredibly helpful and nurturing it is. I’ve talked to friends of mine who have attended other law schools, and it seems like the co-operative, open atmosphere here is something of a rarity.

Why I am focusing on Intellectual Property: I’m fascinated by the unique sets of legal and ethical issues presented by intangible property, and how the Internet has not so much pushed as flung at high speed some of the issues surrounding copyright to the forefront. We’re going through an information revolution, and I want to be on the front lines, fighting for what I believe is right and fair.

My experience at the Law School: Law school has been an incredible amount of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.