Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Updates
LITC Students Assist in Stimulus Payment Equity
Lewis & Clark Law students at the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic are providing assistance to incarcerated individuals who never received stimulus payments. The issue was first brought to the clinic’s attention by Professor Aliza Kaplan, who directs the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic. Jordan Hartman ’22 handled the bulk of intakes and representation for these cases, but as word spread about this assistance, the increased number of cases are now delegated broadly among all of the LITC students.
To date, the LITC has helped more than 60 clients; so far, clients have received about $20,000. The clinic will continue to help these individuals until the statute of limitations ends in 2026.
Law Students Help Recent Immigrants Obtain Thousands of Dollars in Tax Credits
The LITC has served many immigrants with complex tax issues. In one case, LITC helped a Mexican asylee in an audit challenging her ability to claim the earned income tax credit and child tax credit. Alum Diego Gutierrez ’21 assisted the client by gathering evidence, drafting a compelling narrative, and submitting it to the IRS. The clinic was able to help the taxpayer prevail and obtain more than $9,000 in refunds.
In another case, the LITC helped a Guatemalan asylee who was supporting a child who had just obtained her social security number. The clinic helped her prove that she had earned income for the tax year, resulting in a refund totaling more than $5,000 for the client and her family. Student Karla Márquez de Gaab ’23 assisted the client in gathering evidence, including a letter from her employer, verifying her income.
IRS Funds LITC for Another Three Years
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) awarded funding in support of Lewis & Clark’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) for another three years, through 2024. This award represents the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th years of continued IRS support for the clinic; the LITC reapplies for these competitive $300,000 grants every three years.
More Clinic Updates
Public Defense Practicum
Students provided comprehensive legal support—under the guidance of their supervisors—for over 250 individuals who had previously been on the unrepresented list.
National Crime Victims Litigation Institute
This year, students at the National Crime Victims Litigation Institute (NCVLI) tackled a wide range of cutting-edge legal issues impacting victims’ rights.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)
As of summer 2025, the LITC has served 216 Oregonians in a variety of tax-related matters—a significant increase in case volume from prior years.
Green Energy Institute (GEI)
The Green Energy Institute continues to propel forward progress on Oregon’s climate policies despite national pressure to undermine momentum.
Earthrise
Earthrise’s work in 2024–25 spurred habitat improvements for endangered shortnose sturgeon in the Connecticut River.
Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC)
The Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC) offers a litigation practicum to L&C law students with hands-on legal training on behalf of natural resource users.
Farmed Animal Protection Project
The Farmed Animal Protection Project trains JD, LLM, and MSL students to use legal tools to advocate for farmed animals.
Farmed Animal Protection Project
The Farmed Animal Protection Project (FAPP) offers students a two-semester experiential learning opportunity focused on farmed animal protection.
Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC)
The Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC) offers a litigation practicum to L&C law students with hands-on legal training on behalf of natural resource users.
Green Energy Institute (GEI)
Thanks to donor support, the clinic employed several top-notch law clerks to assist us in advocacy efforts.
Crime Victim Litigation Clinic (CVLC)
Throughout the fall of 2023 and spring of 2024, Crime Victim Litigation Clinic students engaged in significant legal work nationwide.
Earthrise
This year marked a bittersweet transition for Earthrise, as Earthrise Director and Clinical Professor Allison LaPlante ’02 left the law school after almost 20 years.
More Stories
From the Dean
Speaking with students is one of my favorite parts of being dean. At Lewis & Clark Law School, I’ve discovered a rare and powerful combination: students who pair fierce dedication to their mission with deep collaboration and a genuine commitment to each other’s success.
A Decade of Dedication:
Professor Lydia Pallas Loren’s Work on the Landmark Restatement of Copyright.
Legal Expertise Supports Migratory Species
Professors Chris Wold and Erica Lyman facilitated a workshop with CMS Parties to discuss the legal contours of some of the treaty’s most important provisions.
Beyond the Bar
Most graduates of law school go on to practice law, working in law firms or providing legal counsel to organizations and businesses. Yet, for some, the lessons of law apply more broadly, and the outcome of their law school education has been a surprising and successful career outside of law. Here are just a few of our alums who followed an alternative route.