Letter From the President of the Recent Graduate Council

David Boyer ’12

David Boyer '12, Recent Grad Council President David Boyer ’12, Recent Grad Council PresidentDear Alumni,

This is an anniversary year here at Lewis & Clark Law School—a big one. It has been 100 years since the law school was established, and while we will no doubt make some noise about this milestone throughout the year, I can’t help but be a bit nostalgic at the moment.

It was seven years ago that I, not knowing any better, decided it would be a great idea to start law school with a new wife and a 3-week-old son. I didn’t set off to cure the criminal justice system, but I was seeking answers to what seemed like some weighty questions. Chief among them was this: How do I advocate for those with complex struggles?

When I recall my old exams, two things became abundantly clear: 1) Ludicrous exam questions actually mirror the dumb things some people do in real life, and 2) Not all law students are the same, and as a result, not all law schools should be the same. I look back with fondness on my experience, even though I remember the constant late nights. I admit my assessment becomes more cheerful with each passing year. My experience at the law school was exceptional. It was challenging—I still have nightmares about prepping for Con Law as a 1L—but it provided me with the skills necessary to emerge as an attorney ready to build a legal career.

From its humble beginnings as the Northwestern College of Law, the law school has matured into an institution of national prominence. Boasting a range of nationally ranked specialty programs, Lewis & Clark fosters practical development (too many clinics and externships to name) within a flexible construct (day and evening offerings). It also has the largest law library in Oregon, where you can still find me on any given Sunday night before a Monday-morning trial call. Our many distinguished alumni—among them federal and state judges, governors, attorneys general, and legislators—are honored to call Lewis & Clark their school. Certainly, we have much to celebrate.

As part of our mission this year, the Recent Graduate Council is working to support centennial celebrations and programs that strengthen and connect our collective alumni community. Help us celebrate this landmark moment and support the programs that make Lewis & Clark Law School the remarkable institution that it was, is, and will continue to be.

Sincerely,

David Boyer ’12