2025 Environmental Law Diehl Fellows Announced

Lewis & Clark Law School is the recipient of a bequest from John E. Diehl, who was an active environmentalist in Washington. The Diehl bequest supports a fellowship program for Lewis & Clark Law School graduates who are planning to work in public interest environmental law, specifically in the areas of resource conservation, wilderness and wildlife habitat and preservation, or human population stabilization.

Megan Sweeney ’25

Megan Sweeney is Earthrise Law Center’s 2025-2027 Diehl legal fellow. Megan is originally from Springfield, Missouri, and after graduating from the University of Missouri, she took a gap year to work as a legal runner at a civil transactions law firm. In May of 2025, Megan graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School with Certificates in Animal Law and Environmental and Natural Resources Law.

Megan is interested in environmental law because of her concern over climate change. Growing up in Southwest Missouri, Megan developed a love for the outdoors through activities like camping and canoeing in the Ozark Mountains. This background cultivated a deep appreciation for nature and a passion for environmental advocacy, which helped her decision to dedicate her career to fighting the policies and practices accelerating climate change.

Some of Megan’s most notable experiences while attending Lewis & Clark include her time as a clinical student at Earthrise, participating in Animal Law Review, serving on the board of Animal Legal Defense Fund, and externing with Columbia Riverkeeper.

As a legal fellow for Earthrise, Megan is most excited to continue expanding her knowledge of environmental law while mentoring students through their clinical experience. Megan finds that the academic atmosphere of Earthrise fosters a shared enthusiasm to stay informed about the latest developments in environmental law, which is especially important to her given the significant shifts occurring in the field under the current administration.

In her free time, Megan enjoys hiking, camping, paddleboarding, and spending time with her cat, Panda.

Megan is working alongside 2024 Diehl Fellow Zach Nacev ’24, who is now in his second year at Earthrise.

Courtney McCoy ’25

Courtney McCoy is the 2025 Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA) Diehl Legal Fellow. Courtney graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in May 2025 with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.

Growing up near Louisville, KY, Courtney developed an early appreciation for the natural world—exploring the woods behind her childhood home and vacationing at Kentucky State Parks. A graduate of the University of Louisville, her career began in tech before turning toward more environmentally focused pursuits. After working for local, sustainable-food startups, Courtney headed west to begin operating her own companies—first an organic tea company, then a vegan restaurant. After COVID, Courtney decided to pursue law and policy work in the environmental field and started law school. In her role at GLA, Courtney is especially excited to work on wildlife protection.

As a student at Lewis & Clark, Courtney participated in both the GLA and Earthrise clinics, served as an Associate Editor for Animal Law Review, and was a Phi Alpha Delta board member. Courtney also interned with the Center for Biological Diversity and Johnson McCall, LLP.

In her free time, Courtney enjoys hiking with her husband and canine daughter, dragon boat paddling, reading, and all things food-related.