Distinguished Honors 2020
March 7, 2019
On a Saturday evening in early March, alumni, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate those who have contributed so much to the law school and to the community.
Alan Merkle ’82
Distinguished Graduate
Alan Merkle is a man of many talents: an engineer, businessman, attorney, mayor, and French knight. His international law practice focuses on energy, infrastructure construction, and design, with a heavy emphasis on renewable energy projects. In 2017 the President of France named Merkle Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Merite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).
Distinguished Law Professor Susan Mandiberg
Honorary Graduate
Susan Mandiberg, Distinguished Professor of Law, has shaped legal minds as a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School since 1980. Named a Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar for her teaching, service, and scholarship and recipient of the Leo Levenson Award (two times!) for excellence in teaching, she goes above and beyond as a teacher and mentor to support her students. She served as Associate Dean of the law school 2013–16.
Zach Pilchen ’13
Recent Graduate Council
Rising Star Recipient
Since graduating from Lewis & Clark with a certificate in environmental law, Zach Pilchen has advised on a wide array of federal environmental matters for the EPA’s Office of General Counsel and the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, including climate and air pollution regulations, an important amendment to the Clean Water Act, and a bipartisan hydrofluorocarbon phase-down bill.
Amanda Caffall ’11
Recent Graduate Council
Community Spirit Recipient
Amanda Caffall is the founding executive director and staff attorney at The Commons Law Center, where she brings together law students, experienced pro bono lawyers, and community partners to expand legal access to Oregonians of modest means.
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