2026 Environmental Law Diehl and Clinic Fellows Announced
Lewis & Clark Law School is pleased to announce the new junior Diehl fellows, returning senior Diehl fellows, and junior clinic fellow!
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.
Joseph Gabaldon ’26
Earthrise Law Center Junior Diehl Fellow
Joseph Gabaldon is Earthrise Law Center’s 2026-2028 Diehl legal fellow. Joseph is originally from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability and political science. Joseph wasted no time and immediately came to Lewis & Clark Law School to pursue environmental law. In May of 2026, Joseph graduated Cum Laude from Lewis & Clark Law School with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
Joseph’s interest in the environment originated with his love of winter weather and originally sought a P.H.D. in meteorology. However, Joseph shifted his focus to environmental law once he learned about his family’s history with environmental injustice. The harm suffered by his family members at a uranium mine in western New Mexico motivated Joseph to dedicate himself to fighting environmental injustice and exploitation of the natural landscape.
Some of Joseph’s most memorable activities at Lewis & Clark include participating in the Earthrise Clinic, volunteering with the National Lawyers Guild, working at Boley Law Library, and interning with WildEarth Guardians.
As a legal fellow for Earthrise, Joseph is excited to work on cutting-edge environmental law issues and mentor the next generation of environmental litigators. Joseph finds the guidance from the attorneys at Earthrise invaluable for growing as a litigator during such a critical time for the environment.
In his free time, Joseph spends time bleach dyeing, playing poker, gaming, and spending time with his friends outdoors.
Samantha Montagno ’26
Columbia Riverkeeper Junior Diehl Fellow
Sam Montagno is the Diehl Legal Fellow for Columbia Riverkeeper. Sam graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in May 2026 with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
Growing up in New Hampshire as a Palestinian-American, Sam developed a strong love and appreciation for the natural world while also being aware of the fact that not all communities have equal access to a clean and healthy environment.
Sam’s interest in pursuing a legal career is centered around human rights and environmental justice. As a student at Lewis & Clark, she equally prioritized experiences both within and outside of environmental law in order to have a well-rounded education that explored all aspects of justice for underrepresented communities. Sam participated in the Crime Victims Litigation Clinic, as well as the Transformative Immigration Law class where she was able to assist in filing a successful habeas corpus petition to get a noncitizen released from an ICE detention facility.
As a legal fellow, Sam is looking forward to continuing the work she did during her internship with Columbia Riverkeeper on the Hanford Project, working with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation to protect people and the Columbia River from radioactive and toxic waste, as well as working on new projects involving salmon recovery.
Fiona Thayer ’26
Global Law Alliance Junior Clinic Fellow
Fiona Thayer is the 2026 Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA) Fellow. Fiona graduated from Lewis & Clark in May 2026 with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
Fiona grew up in New Hampshire and developed a love for the natural world, especially wildlife, by spending her days searching for frogs and turtles in the woods and marshes behind her childhood home. Her love of wildlife and the environment drew her to a career in wildlife protection. After graduating from Syracuse University, Fiona moved to Oregon to pursue her law career at Lewis & Clark.
As a student at Lewis & Clark, Fiona participated in the GLA clinic, served as an associate editor for Lewis & Clark Law Review, and was a board member for Students for International Environmental Law (SIEL) and for the student chapter of Animal Legal Defense fund (ALDF). Fiona interned with Earthjustice, the Center for Biological Diversity, and California Coastkeeper Alliance.
In Fiona’s role at GLA, she is excited to work alongside Professor Erica Lyman and second-year fellow Courtney McCoy to contribute to projects that advance wildlife protection and that help preserve the environment for both wildlife and people. The GLA clinic was a highlight of Fiona’s time in law school, and she looks forward to being back as a fellow.
In her free time, Fiona enjoys scuba diving (and anything ocean related), hanging out with her dogs, reading, and baking.
Continuing Fellows
Megan Sweeney ’25
Earthrise Law Center Senior Diehl Fellow
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
Global Law Alliance Senior Diehl Fellow
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.
Suzannah Smith ’25
Center for Food Safety Senior Diehl Fellow
Suzannah graduated magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark Law School with certificates in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Animal Law. She served as Editor in Chief of Animal Law Review and Co-Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter. Her legal work has focused on leveraging environmental law to address the far-reaching harm caused by concentrated animal feeding operations. She interned with Earthrise Law Center, the Center for Animal Law Studies, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and Animal Defense Partnership.
Suzannah earned her BA from UC Berkeley, where she studied Political Science and Food Systems. In her free time, she loves kayaking on the Willamette, reading, and searching for the perfect aquatic plant for her rescue frogs.
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